This Saturday proved to be an eventful day for the United States Men’s National Team as they prepared for the second leg of their CONCACAF Nations League 2024-25 quarterfinal against Jamaica.

The team, led by Mauricio Pochettino, faced squad adjustments due to injuries after the first leg win but also welcomed in reinforcements ahead of the second clash with the ‘Reggae Boyz.’

In terms of absences, the USMNT will be without two key players for the second leg. Johnny Cardoso, who started in the first leg but had to leave the field in the 21st minute, sustained a minor hamstring injury and will return to Spain to report to his club, Real Betis.

Which players will play for the USA against Jamaica?

Meanwhile, Aidan Morris, who has been a regular contributor in the English Championship, is sidelined with a sprained knee. He has traveled to Columbus for rehabilitation but will return to Middlesbrough for further assessment. Notably, Pochettino had shown faith in Morris, featuring him for 90 minutes against Panama and 83 minutes against Mexico in earlier matches.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle, the U.S. National Team has opted not to call up replacements for Cardoso and Morris. This leaves Pochettino with Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Tanner Tessmann, and Gianluca Busio as his primary midfield options, while Brenden Aaronson and Malik Tillman are expected to contribute offensively. This limited depth in midfield could pose challenges, but the team gains a boost with the return of Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson.

Weah, who serves as a crucial right-wing option for Pochettino, is back after completing a two-match suspension after his red card during the Copa América against Panama.

Additionally, Aaronson, who missed the trip to Kingston due to flu symptoms, returned on Saturday. His addition adds another dynamic option to the attack alongside Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic, Weah, Alejandro Zendejas, and others.