The USMNT will be missing several integral players, including Christian Pulisic, when it takes on Venezuela and Costa Rica later this month.

The upcoming USMNT friendlies serve as a crucial stepping stone towards the 2025 Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nations League Finals. Many MLS players will be hoping to impress manager Mauricio Pochettino and earn a place in the squad.

Mauricio Pochettino has been quick to praise the quality of American players but says he wants to inject some Argentine spirit and patriotism into his squad.

These two games have been organised by US Soccer (at Pochettino’s request) in conjunction with both the Costa Rican and Venezuelan FA’s and because the games fall outside FIFA’s international window, the USMNT’s Europe-based stars will not participate as there is no obligation from their clubs for their release.

Pulisic, 26, now has 10 goals and six assists in 21 appearances this season after going all 90 minutes in his return from injury for AC Milan

USA national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has been quick to praise the quality of American players but says he wants to inject some Argentine spirit and patriotism into his squad.

The United States Men's National Team is gearing up for two international friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica. These games represent head coach Mauricio Pochettino's third cycle in charge of the USMNT;

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Our weekly roundup of the U.S. contingent's contribution to Europe's elite leagues also takes in Noahkai Banks' Bundesliga debut at Augsburg