USMNT coach Bruce Arena plans to call up Clint Dempsey, saying he’s “hopeful” the Seattle Sounders striker will be prepared to play in March’s World Cup qualifiers against Panama and Honduras.
Dempsey has been out of action since August, having undergone a pair of operations to correct heart problems.
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Goal.com’s Seth Vertelney has a quote from Arena:
“I spoke to Clint yesterday, he is making good progress,” Arena said. “Obviously his health is a priority. And we are hoping we can bring him into camp in January, just casually get back into the swing of things. Perhaps not even considering him playing, and then have him ready to go as Seattle starts their preseason (in February).”
The 33-year-old was part of the locker room celebrations on Saturday in Toronto following the Sounders’ triumph over TFC in penalty kicks.
Dempsey has scored 52 goals in 130 caps, with three of those goals coming in a star turn for the U.S. at the Copa America Centenario.