Sergino Dest Among Notable Absences for USA Ahead of Gold Cup

United States defender Sergino Dest has been omitted from the squad for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, adding to a growing list of notable absences as head coach Mauricio Pochettino unveiled a team brimming with new talent on Thursday.

Forward Christian Pulisic had previously withdrawn from the tournament, alongside his AC Milan colleague Yunus Musah, while key players Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Tim Weah are set to miss out due to commitments associated with the forthcoming Club World Cup.

Reports from US media indicate that Dest’s exclusion stems from fitness issues following his return in March from an 11-month layoff due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained last year.

With Dest’s absence, the US squad has only a few seasoned players remaining, including goalkeeper Matt Turner, defender Tim Ream, and Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams.

Among the forwards, Coventry City’s Haji Wright stands out as the only player with more than four senior caps, boasting 15 appearances for the national team.

The squad features four individuals receiving their first call-up at this level.

“We are incredibly eager to work with this group of players and fight for the championship,” Pochettino expressed in a statement.

“Our primary goal is to win the tournament and demonstrate the right mentality and approach, and we are confident these players will seize the opportunity.”

The United States aims to rebound after their pursuit of a fourth consecutive CONCACAF Nations League title was halted by a semi-final defeat to Panama in March.

The team also faced disappointment in last year’s Copa America, failing to progress to the knockout stage, a result that ultimately contributed to the dismissal of head coach Gregg Berhalter.

Prior to their first group-stage fixture against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15, the team will partake in friendly matches against Turkey and Switzerland.