By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Miami, FL

Midfielders Landon Donovan and Brek Shea have been ruled out for US national soccer team's two World Cup qualifying matches due to injuries, coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced Tuesday.

The announcement happened one day after Klinsmann said the 24-man roster that will take on Antigua and Barbuda Friday and Guatemala Tuesday in the last match of the regional semifinal qualifying round.

"It's unfortunate for Landon and Brek that they won't be able to play," Klinsmann said in a statement. "Landon was very optimistic over the weekend when his knee was feeling much better, but now he needs time to recover."

"We knew Brek was a question mark coming in, and now we have a clear picture of where he stands. We feel confident that the group we have will get the job done," Klinsmann added.

Klinsmann has announced no replacements for Donovan and Shea.

Donovan, the US team's scoring and assists leader, suffered a knee injury during the Los Angeles Galaxy's 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake in an MLS showdown Saturday. Shea, who plays for Dallas, has been sidelined with an abdominal strain since Sept. 29.

The US and Guatemala are tied on top of Group A with seven points apiece and matching totals in both goal differential and goals scored. Jamaica also has seven points but sits in third place due to a lower goal differential.

With the three nations tied on points and jockeying for the top two spots, no team will be able to secure a place in the final round until the last group matches are played Oct. 16.

 

 

Donovan and Shea Ruled Out of US Soccer Play Due to Injuries