LOS ANGELES — When the U.S. national team gathers next week for its final two warm-ups ahead of this fall's World Cup, four players who were expected to have key roles won't be there. Missing from the 26-man roster coach Gregg Berhalter summoned Wednesday are defenders Antonee Robinson and Miles Robinson, goalkeeper Zack Steffen and forward Tim Weah. All are unavailable because of injury.
The U.S. will face Japan on Sept. 23 in Dusseldorf, Germany, and Saudi Arabia on Sept. 27 in Murcia, Spain. Both opponents will also play in the World Cup. The U.S. opens that tournament against Wales on Nov. 21.
"As we approach the World Cup, this is another opportunity for us to take a step forward as a group," Berhalter said in a statement. "We have a strong roster and can use these games as a measuring stick against World Cup opponents as we continue to gain valuable experience ahead of going to Qatar."
