CHICAGO, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic has returned to the United States squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mexico and Jamaica, the U.S. Soccer Federation said on Thursday.
Pulisic, who missed the team's October qualifiers because of an ankle injury, returned to action after almost two months on the sidelines with a cameo appearance in Chelsea's 1-0 victory at Malmo in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
"It's about progressing him in a safe way," head coach Gregg Berhalter said. "We know he is valuable to the team. We want him on the field, but we are also not willing to risk anything. It's about how he feels and ... that will dictate what role he plays in these two games."
The 25-man squad also includes Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and Valencia winger Yunus Musah.
But there was no place for Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest, who was left out because of a back injury.
The U.S. will face Mexico in Cincinnati on November 12 and Jamaica in Kingston four days later.
Berhalter's men are second in the eight-team Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) qualifying group, three points behind Mexico.
"Our focus remains on the next game up mentality. After this window we'll be more than halfway through the Octagonal, so we have a chance to position ourselves well heading into next year," Berhalter said.
"When it comes to USA-Mexico, I'm excited for our players because it isn't just a game, it's an event. This is the best of World Cup Qualifying, and our group is ready for the challenge." Enditem