Surprises in Pochettino’s pre-Gold Cup USMNT list: Pulisic, Musah, Dest...

The US men’s national Team (USMNT) continues preparations leading up to next summer’s World Cup, with a few months ahead.

As part of its buildup to the CONCACAF Gold Cup, today, US Soccer announced the 27-man roster for the pre-tournament training camp.

Warm-up games against Turkey and Switzerland

Before making its Gold Cup debut, the USMNT will play two friendly matches - first meeting Turkey then Switzerland, two strong opponents which will give head coach Mauricio Pochettino an opportunity to fine-tune his side for the tournament.

There were some surprises in Pochettino’s squad, comprised of players who are expected to form the core of the team competing in the tournament starting in just over three weeks’ time.

Christian Pulisic is the most notable omission from the USMNT roster for the upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland. Also excluded are Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah - all of whom are expected to miss the Gold Cup. Their absences are attributed to their respective clubs’ involvement in the Club World Cup, or just to rest after a long campaign.

One of the biggest surprises in this squad is the return of Sergiño Dest. The talented full-back, along with Folarin Balogun and Haji Wright, is making his way back into Team USA after recovering from an ACL injury. Fresh off winning the Eredivisie title with PSV, Dest will now get his first chance to work under Pochettino.

The United States open their Gold Cup campaign against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15 at PayPal Park in San Jose.

They face invited guests Saudi Arabia,four days later at Q2 Stadium in Austin before concluding the group phase against Haiti at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on June 22.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. The winners of Group D will face the runners-up from Group C, while the team that finishes second will face the Group C champions.

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