Ahead of a clash with Mexico in Guadalajara on Tuesday, the USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has sent some of his players back to their various clubs due to the players’ heavy workload without any replacements for them.

The players are Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Zack Steffen, Ricardo Pepi, and Marlon Fossey. The move by Pochettino leaves the USMNT under-numbered against rivals Mexico, deflating some anticipation for Pochettino’s next test.

Team captain Pulisic assisted fellow AC Milan teammate Yunus Musah with the Americans’ first goal against Panama on Saturday. While Pepi added the second goal in the final minutes of the match.

Joining Christian Pulisic on the journey back to Italy is Juventus’ defender Weston McKennie while Ricardo Pepi will return to The Netherlands at PSV. 

Marlon Fossey and Zack Steffen were ruled out due to minor injuries against Panama and their departures are likely due to caution. 

According to Pochettino, the decision to allow McKennie to leave is down to the fact that he is not one hundred percent fit – having not played in Pochettino’s opener and it’s imperative to protect him, while he also expressed concerns about Pulisic’s match load.

“As we have said, we are always going to make decisions that are in the best interest of our players and respect the relationship we have with their clubs,” said Pochettino.

Pepi would have loved to build on his positive display against Panama but that will have to come in another time considering there are club mandates that may have necessitated his early return to the Dutch club having largely played a super sub role for his club this season.

The departure is expected to open minutes for players who Pochettino is yet to learn about. And in front of what will be a raucous crowd in Guadalajara, this could be a yardstick for selecting more trusted players.