An injured left knee has forced Landon Donovan to withdraw from the upcoming CONCACAF qualifiers. Donovan, the career leader in goals, assists and starts for the U.S. team รข?? will likely not be replaced on what was a 24-man roster for the upcoming qualifiers, Friday on the road against Antigua & Barbuda and Tuesday against Guatemala in Kansas City, Kan.
Donovan was injured Saturday while playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy in a 2-1 Major League Soccer loss to Real Salt Lake. Donovan had scrapped plans for an MRI in Los Angeles on Monday because he thought his knee had improved.
"Landon was very optimistic over the weekend when his knee was feeling much better, but now he needs time to recover," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said.
Hours before the Donovan decision was announced, Klinsmann said the Americans were "very, very positive" about his status.
"You want your leaders on the team there," Klinsmann said.
The U.S. team might need at least a victory and a draw from its next two Group A matches to advance to next year's regional finals. The United States, Guatemala and Jamaica have seven points each after the first four matches in this round of qualifying.
Donovan was injured Saturday while playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy in a 2-1 Major League Soccer loss to Real Salt Lake. Donovan had scrapped plans for an MRI in Los Angeles on Monday because he thought his knee had improved.
"Landon was very optimistic over the weekend when his knee was feeling much better, but now he needs time to recover," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said.
Hours before the Donovan decision was announced, Klinsmann said the Americans were "very, very positive" about his status.
"You want your leaders on the team there," Klinsmann said.
The U.S. team might need at least a victory and a draw from its next two Group A matches to advance to next year's regional finals. The United States, Guatemala and Jamaica have seven points each after the first four matches in this round of qualifying.
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