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Mauricio Pochettino Christian Pulisic USMNTGetty Images
Alex Labidou

USMNT send Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi back to clubs ahead of Mexico match

The moves leave USMNT short-handed against rivals Mexico, deflating some anticipation for Pochettino’s next test

U.S. internationals Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Zack Steffen, Ricardo Pepi and Marlon Fossey will be returning to their club teams following the USMNT's 2-0 win over Panama in new manager Mauricio Pochettino’s debut, U.S. Soccer announced Sunday.

Pulisic assisted on the first USMNT's goal against Panama, a strike from AC Milan teammate Yunus Musah, and Pepi added the second goal late in the match.

The moves, which leaves the USMNT five players short for their friendly against rival Mexico on Tuesday night, aligns with statements from Pochettino and roster moves by the USMNT ahead of Saturday’s match.

Pochettino expressed concerns about Pulisic’s match load and revealed McKennie wasn’t 100 percent fit and wanted to protect him.

“As we have said, we are always going to make decisions that are in the best interest of our players and respect the relationship we have with their clubs,” said Pochettino.

Fossey and Steffen were ruled out due to minor injuries against Panama and their departures are likely due to caution. The real surprise is Pepi, the PSV striker who has largely played a super sub role for his club this season.

No replacements were called in by U.S. Soccer.

  • Panama v United StatesGetty Images Sport

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    This development means the U.S. won’t field its best available squad against Mexico, deflating some of the anticipation for Pochettino’s test against the USMNT rivals.

    While it would’ve been intriguing to see Pepi build on a positive performance, there are likely club mandates at play. The same likely applies to McKennie, who will return to Juventus after not playing in Pochettino’s opener. 

    Alternatively, the departures could open up minutes for players Pochettino will be keen to learn more about. And in front of what will be a raucous crowd in Guadalajara, this could be a barometer of who can handle pressure out of the group.

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    UPDATED USMNT ROSTER

    USMNT roster for Tuesday's friendly against Mexico (CLUB/COUNTRY; CAPS/GOALS):

    GOALKEEPERS (3): Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City/WAL; 9/0), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 2/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 46/0) 

    DEFENDERS (7): Kristoffer Lund (Palermo/ITA; 6/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 15/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 63/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 47/4), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 29/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 13/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 2/0) 

    MIDFIELDERS (6):Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 45/8), Gianluca Busio (Venezia/ITA; 14/1), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/ENG; 8/0), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA; 42/1), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyonnais/FRA; 3/0), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 15/0) 

    FORWARDS (4): Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 26/5), Brandon Vazquez (Monterrey/MEX; 8/4), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 14/4), Alex Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 8/1) 

  • Mauricio Pochettino USMNT coachGetty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

    The squad will face Mexico in Guadalajara on Tuesday night. Pochettino’s second game will be the first friendly between the rivals on Mexican soil since August 2012. That match at the Estadio Azteca proved historic, as defender Michael Orozco’s late goal lifted the U.S. to a 1-0 win and its first over El Tri in 25 games in Mexico.