This week is quite important for the USMNT. The Stars and Stripes will begin their new chapter under Mauricio Pochettino as the group gathers for the October friendlies. Facing Panama as his first test, the Argentinian tactician will be looking to field his best team in his debut match as USA manager—but actually, he won’t, as Pochettino has endured not one but three injury setbacks before his debut game.

The USMNT is already grappling with the injury absences of revered names including Sergino Dest, Cameron Carter Vickers, Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, and Gio Reyna. Now, yet another unfortunate development was shared by US Soccer just hours ago. It stated that the forward duo of Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah, as well as midfielder Johnny Cardoso, are all the players that were withdrawn from Pochettino’s 25-men roster due to injury issues.

Though the exact cause behind their injury hasn’t been revealed, previous unhealed knocks are one of the reasons for their sudden leave. Interestingly, Cardoso and Balogun were involved in last month’s friendlies against Canada and New Zealand but it was only Weah who wasn’t called up due to his persistent issues. While all three were backed to return during Pochettino’s big gig, injuries took a toll on either of these stars.

Regarding Cardoso, the Real Betis midfielder was forced off the Europa Conference League game against Legia Warsaw on Thursday during the 66th minute. Balogun had a rather bittersweet weekend. Having scored the second goal during Monaco’s 1-2 win over Rennes, the striker allegedly sustained a shoulder injury in the 64th minute of the game, forcing him to leave the pitch. Meanwhile, Weah hasn’t played for Juventus since Sept. 21 due to an ankle blow.

Sadly, neither of these stars missed out on Poch’s debut. However, either of the player’s injuries were not expected to heal before the friendly games. Hence, Pochettino decided to drop the trio and instead call up their replacements. Speaking of which, let’s know who are they.

Mauricio Pochettino calls up replacements for injured USMNT trio ahead of Panama face-off

Replacing Johnny Cardoso for the center half of the pitch position is Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann. He has earned two caps in the past and even captained the team this past summer. As for the goal-scoring positions, CF Monterrey’s Brandon Vazquez and Club America’s Alex Zendejas have been added to the 25-player roster as replacements for Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah.

Notably, not a single Liga MX star was called up by Pochettino for the Panama and Mexico clashes (forget any MLS star). However, now Vazquez and Zendejas surely fill out the void and will look to make the best out of the given opportunity. The forward duo, especially, are required to take up the goal-scoring duties in the absence of Balogun and Weah, who have been clinical for the USMNT in the past.

Rest assured, if everything works out, ardent fans will surely get to enjoy Pochettino’s first gig for the Men’s National Team.