USMNT Star Sidelined: Devastating Injury Rocks Team Before Crucial November Showdowns

United States men's national team midfielder Tyler Adams has been ruled out of Mauricio Pochettino's November roster following a head injury suffered during Bournemouth's weekend fixture.

The 26-year-old will miss the opportunity to return to America and link up with the USMNT for upcoming international friendlies versus Paraguay and Uruguay. U.S. Soccer has also announced that midfielder Sean Zawadzki has been removed from the Stars and Stripes' squad due to injury concerns.

Adams suffered a head collision with Bournemouth colleague Adam Smith during the opening moments of the Cherries' 4–0 loss to Aston Villa on Sunday. The American midfielder received medical attention but continued playing through to the match's conclusion.

Within 24 hours, Adams has become unavailable for the USMNT during this year's final international break. Pochettino will be without the steadying presence and reliability of his midfield anchor, particularly concerning given the existing absences of key players.

Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, Tim Weah and Weston McKennie are also absent from this gathering. The USMNT skipper made his comeback from injury with AC Milan over the weekend, but is using the next fortnight for complete rehabilitation.

Pochettino Names Late Replacement for Adams, Zawadzki

With Adams and Zawadzki unavailable, Pochettino has brought in LAFC midfielder Timmy Tillman. The 26-year-old, who formerly played for Germany before declaring for the United States in 2023, enters the November camp having earned just one USMNT appearance.

Tillman has delivered strong performances for LAFC this campaign, however. The ex-Bayern Munich player has featured in every minute for the Black and Gold during the 2025 postseason run, contributing to Steve Cherundolo's team reaching the Western Conference semifinals.

Prior to refocusing on the MLS Cup playoffs, Tillman will aim to make a strong impression on Pochettino to secure a regular role with the Stars and Stripes leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Given the numerous injuries to his regular starters, Pochettino must again depend on squad players to guide the USMNT through matches against Paraguay and Uruguay in the coming period.