US forward Haji Wright, aged 27 and hailing from Los Angeles, will be sidelined for the remainder of the Concacaf Gold Cup due to a left Achilles injury. Despite scoring in the opening match against Trinidad and Tobago, his injury has forced him to return to Coventry City for evaluation and treatment. US coach Mauricio Pochettino revealed that Wright was already dealing with the Achilles issue from his League Championship season.
Unfortunately, Wright cannot be replaced on the tournament roster, leaving the US team without his contributions for the upcoming matches. The US has already secured a spot in the quarter-finals and is set to face Haiti in their final group stage game. Pochettino expressed uncertainty regarding the availability of midfielders Tyler Adams and Johnny Cardoso for the upcoming match, with both players dealing with injuries.
In an unexpected turn of events, Juventus players, including Americans Tim Weah and Weston McKennie, found themselves standing behind US President Donald Trump during a media briefing. This raised questions about the team’s involvement in political matters, to which the players shared their surprise and desire to focus on football rather than politics. Despite the political backdrop, American defender Chris Richards emphasized the importance of unity and providing hope to others amidst challenging times.
Pochettino also expressed his hopes for the national team to receive a White House invitation, highlighting the team’s achievements and potential for recognition on a national stage. The incident involving the Juventus players standing behind Trump shed light on the intersection of sports and politics, prompting reflections on the role of athletes in broader societal conversations.