USMNT calls up 19 players to prepare for the return to the World Cup qualifiers

Gregg Berhalter announced a list of 19 MLS players who will have a two-week training camp at BioSteel Training Camp in Phoenix, Arizona, as a tune-up for the return of the World Cup qualifiers at the end of January.

From January 7 to 22, the players will be under the coach's command, looking for a place in the squad for the final stretch of the qualifiers, which will begin with three matches in the first window of matches this year at the end of January and beginning of February.

Only 10 of the players called up have experience in qualifying matches for Qatar 2022: Kellyn Acosta (7), Miles Robinson (6), Matt Turner (5), Walker Zimmerman (5), Sebastian Lletget (4), Cristian Roldan (4), Paul Arriola (3), Gyasi Zardes (3), George Bello (2) and Jesus Ferreira (2). Meanwhile, New England Revolution defender DeJuan Jones is the only player to receive his first USMNT call-up.

Several players who were no longer called up return to the USMNT

Midfielder Sebastian Lletget, defender Miles Robinson, forward Paul Arriola and goalkeeper Sean Johnson are rejoining the USMNT. The four were given time off after the Major League Soccer season and missed last month's exhibition against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Defender Aaron Long, recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon on May 15, will be at his third straight camp after training with the U.S. in November and December. He has not played since picking up an injury.

Forward Jordan Morris played against Bosnia on Dec. 18 in his first national team appearance since tearing his left ACL on Feb. 20.

“Our focus for the next two weeks is to prepare the domestic-based players to be included in the World Cup qualifying training camp,” Berhalter said in the official U.S. Soccer release. “This upcoming window presents an opportunity to move closer to our ultimate goal of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.”

U.S. call-up for January camp

Goalkeepers: Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Gabriel Slonina (Chicago Fire), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

Defenders: George Bello (Atlanta United, DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution), Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

Forwards: Paul Arriola (D.C. United), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew)

When does the U.S. national team play?

January 27, 2022: USA vs El Salvador

January 30, 2022: Canada vs. USA

February 2, 2022: USA vs Honduras