When Bob Bradley fills out his lineup card for the match against Chile on January 22, the United States national team coach will no longer need to consider including Justin Braun and Ugo Ihemelu. The pair have left the Stars and Stripes' three-week training camp due to injury.
The Chivas USA forward cut his Achilles tendon on Tuesday morning and needed four stitches to repair the wound. Braun, who scored nine goals during the 2010 Major League Soccer season, is expected to miss a week.
Hip and groin injuries picked up during FC Dallas' run to MLS Cup sidelined Ihemelu. Team doctors decided returning to his club and resting would best serve the defender.
Both players were in search of their first cap for the American team.
Their departures leave 23 players in camp. No additional players are expected to join.
Noah Davis covers the United States national team for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter at @noahedavis.
