GOAL takes a look at the injury status of American soccer's biggest stars
The 2022 World Cup is over, but the U.S. men's national team's road to the 2026 tournament on home soil has already gotten started.
It began, in earnest, in January with the annual camp, but the cycle truly begins later this month with the return of the Nations League. Those matches against Grenada and El Salvador will be the first time the team's European-based stars can be called on since their time in Qatar as the U.S. now looks ahead to the next four years.
Over those four years, the U.S. will play in the Nations League, Gold Cup and, most notably, Copa America as they look to lay a foundation for 2026. Much of that foundation, to be fair, has already been laid, with the team already having a number of regular stars in place heading toward 2026.
With that said, here's an update on which USMNT's regulars are dealing with injury issues as the Nations League looms:
Getty ImagesChristian Pulisic
He's back.
After suffering an injury back in January, Pulisic made his return for Chelsea during the Blues' Champions League triumph over Borussia Dortmund. In that game, the winger came off the bench late as he made a welcome return to a Chelsea team that could use a lift.
It comes just in time for Nations League, too, although it's possible it will take some time for Pulisic to get back to 100 percent after missing two months of action.
Status: Healthy
AdvertisementGettyWeston McKennie
After missing the second half of the 2021-22 Serie A season, McKennie nearly missed the start of this Italian campaign.
McKennie suffered a separated shoulder in training as Juventus prepared for the start of the year with a preseason tour of the United States.
Much has changed since then, though. Despite not being 100 percent, McKennie was a fixture for the USMNT at the World Cup and has since made his move to Leeds, where he's become a regular for the club in their fight for Premier League survival.
Status: Healthy
Getty ImagesDaryl Dike
The former Orlando City striker is back, and his return may have come just in time for a Nations League callup.
Dike is healthy and scoring for West Brom, having netted three goals in as many games for the Championship club. It all comes after he missed virtually all of 2022, robbing him of a chance to push for a World Cup spot.
The 22-year-old striker seems fully fit now, though, and could be a regular this cycle.
Status: Healthy
Getty ImagesTim Weah
The USMNT's first goalscorer in Qatar has found a more regular role with Lille, but not where you would think.
Weah has served as a makeshift left-back for the French side in recent months and, to his credit, he's done it well. It remains to be seen where he ends up long-term but, for now, Weah being healthy and getting minutes is good news for the USMNT.
Status: Healthy