MIAMI: Midfielder Tyler Adams is back in the United States squad for the first time since the World Cup in Qatar after coach Gregg Berhalter called him up for this year’s CONCACAF Nations League finals.
Adams, who captained the USA team that was knocked out of the World Cup by the Netherlands in the Round of 16, has struggled with injuries and was sidelined for most of this season with a hamstring injury.
Adams, who joined Bournemouth from Leeds United in the off-season, is yet to make a Premier League appearance this campaign and his only appearance came in the EFL Cup tie against Stoke City in September when he was substituted after 20 minutes with further hamstring problems. .
But he has been back in full training in recent weeks and was an unused substitute in the Cherries’ 2-2 draw with Sheffield United on Saturday.
“This decision was basically the result of months of communication with his club to see where he is at, to see the levels he’s performing at in training, the load he’s doing in training and finally talking to his coach (Andoni Iraola) two days,” Berhalter told reporters on Wednesday.
“He thinks he’s actually ready to play minutes today in the Premier League, so we’ll see how that ends up, you know, potentially 30 minutes, 15 minutes, who knows. But he certainly thinks he’s had enough at the club.” to play up to 45 minutes for us, so as soon as we heard that we jumped at the idea.”
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While Adams may not yet be ready to play a major role on the field when the US takes on Jamaica in their semifinal on March 21 in Dallas, Berhalter said it is important that he is involved in the team again.
“He means so much to the team on and off the pitch. It will be nice to have him back,” he said.
Jamaica will be a tough challenge for the USA’s hopes of advancing to the finals, where they will face either Mexico or Panama.
“They are a strong team, a well-coached team, compact, good counter-attacks and good defense and they have quality,” Berhalter said, noting in particular the form of Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey.
Also back in the USA squad for the first time since the World Cup is Norwich City forward Josh Sargent, who has scored 12 goals in 17 games for the Championship club this season, including 10 since the new year.
But there was no roster spot for striker Brandon Vazquez despite scoring seven goals in 12 games since joining Mexican club Monterrey.
