The USMNT is back and better for the November window. The Stars and Stripes are gearing up for a doubleheader against Jamaica ahead of the crucial CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals. They will travel to Independence Park, Kingston, and play on the rival’s soil for the opening leg. However, among the 25-player squad, Mauricio Pochettino has affirmed that Tim Weah won’t travel to the Caribbean nation.

Of course, this is a matter of surprise, considering the striker finally marks his first camp arrival under the former Tottenham Hotspur manager. The Juventus forward had missed the October friendlies vs Panama and Mexico, as well as the September window against Canada and New Zealand due to an injury. However, even if he made a return to the roster since the Copa America, Poch isn’t flying him to Jamaica.

That’s because a report from Jonathan Tannenwald, a chief soccer correspondent for the Philly Inquirer, shared on X that Timothy Weah will instead fly to St. Louis, where USMNT will be playing at Missouri-based Energizer Park on November 18. This makes it obvious that the 24-year-old will be missing the first clash and will surely make his way on the pitch during the return leg.

Not to mention, it’s more of a precautionary call from Pochettino regarding Weah. Since the Turin star has made a return on the pitch, it’s in the best interest of the American boys to not risk their star forward. That way, even if things go south in the opening clash, Weah will be there to sort things out in the latter leg.

Speaking of other teammates, Weah is not the only one returning to the squad. Alongside him, his fellow domestic friend Weston McKennie also missed out on Pochettino’s debut window. But unlike Weah, the star midfielder travels to Kingston for the opening match. On a completely different note, while Timothy has been left out for just one clash, there’s someone who hasn’t been selected even after not being injured!

Mauricio Pochettino addresses the unexpected absence of the USMNT star

Tyler Adams is a notable absence from this month’s roster. While Mauricio Pochettino had to make the decision to leave him out, he still holds Adams in high regard. “I consider him a very important player for the future of this team. But the most important thing now is to see the progression. For us, we were so happy to see his evolution but at the same time, we know very well that we need to look after him if we want to have him in the best condition for the 2026 [World Cup],” he said.

Notably, Adams isn’t the only absentee, as Folarin Balogun (dislocated shoulder) and Gio Reyna (groin strain) are also out due to injuries. Meanwhile, several newcomers are set to join the USMNT camp and look to make an impression under their new boss. Regardless, it remains to be seen whether fans are satisfied with the selection of players and the crucial decisions taken by Mauricio Pochettino.