After an extremely long comeback for Stuart Holden, he received another scare today and we are still awaiting further word of his latest injury. There will be further evaluations, but word is that he feels fine after taking a hard tackle in a reserve match today. Holden returned in January after 16 months since his last action. He has yet to play a full match for Bolton since his comeback. Hopefully the injury today is not a set back as he only has five months remaining on his contract with the Wanderers. Here’s hoping that Holden has put the injuries behind him.
In this mash up post we will get to where the other U.S. players are in action this weekend, but to the little matter about the first World Cup qualifying match. U.S. soccer announced today that the roster will be released on Monday. This will allow those taking part in matches on Sunday to play it out and for the coaches to make sure no injuries occur. There really isn’t an element of surprise here as much as it is just making sure adjustments do not have to be made following the announcement. One has to imagine that Honduras has a general game plan regardless of the roster. Many countries wait until the last minute to announce the roster. We should find out some of the players through social media before the official announcement.
#USMNT @J_Klinsmann will announce the roster for #USAvHON Monday morning on http://t.co/1XjrV695 after the completion of weekend matches
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) February 1, 2013
Honduras does have some injury concerns that should aid the U.S. in the match. That includes Andy Najar who was injured in training with his new team Anderlecht.
Honduras has ruled out Emilio Izaguirre and former DC United's Andy Najar. Both are injured. Luis F. Suárez will call up two new players Sat
— ANDRES CANTOR (@AndresCantorGOL) February 1, 2013
There has been a flurry of activity in Major League Soccer this week as preseason training and matches take place. Be sure to stick with us for updates on those. Just today Chicago and Columbus agreed to a deal for Dilly Duka. Duka has been on the block for some time.
Done deal. Dilly Duka to Chicago for Oduro. #crew96 #cf97 #mls
— Adam Jardy (@AdamJardy) February 2, 2013
Many U.S. players will be in action this weekend including the return of Jermaine Jones from suspension. He is probably a favorite to make the squad against Honduras, but will have to go through a test against Fürth. Schalke has been on a decline and just sold Lewis Holtby earlier than imagined to Clint Dempsey’s Tottenham team. Jones could have a major impact this weekend.
Also in Germany, Shawn Parker and Mainz take on table leading Bayern München. Parker signed a new deal to stay at Mainz and his international playing intentions are not clear. Regardless he and his team will have a big test this weekend.
Timmy Chandler and Nürnberg take on Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday. Also in action Sunday will be Tottenham with Dempsey against West Bromwich Albion. Other U.S. players in action on Sunday that could be on the roster for Honduras include Herculez Gomez and Sacha Kljestan.
October 16, 2012; Kansas City, KS, USA; USA forward Herculez Gomez (9) warms up before the match against Guatemala at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The match up featuring the most U.S. players this weekend takes place in Liga MX as Club Tijuana battles Tigres. Jose Torres, Jonathan Bornstein, Joe Corona, Edgar Castillo, and Greg Garza could all see playing time. Corona, Castillo, and Torres could be called in as well.
Finally, Maurice Edu and his new club Bursaspor play Galatasaray. The Yellow-Reds recently lured Didier Dragba and Wesley Sneijder to their side making this a challenging match for Edu.