Pulisic, McKennie among USMNT players to depart October camp

The U.S. men’s national team will not have the services of five players for Tuesday’s road friendly at Mexico.

Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie were among five players to depart October’s camp, U.S. Soccer announced Sunday. Pulisic has been released to his club AC Milan due to load management while McKennie, fullback Marlon Fossey, goalkeeper Zack Steffen, and forward Ricardo Pepi all have left due to minor injuries

Pepi is being evaluated at his club PSV after taking a defensive clearance to the face.

No additional players will be added to the roster, giving Mauricio Pochettino 20 players to call on for Tuesday’s showdown in Guadalajara.

“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.

Pulisic assisted once and played 67 minutes Saturday in a 2-0 home friendly vs. Panama in Austin, Texas.

Pepi came off the bench before scoring the USMNT’s insurance goal in second-half stoppage time. He played 23 minutes in total.

McKennie and Steffen were unused substitutes in Saturday’s match while Fossey did not dress.

The USMNT will seek their second-ever victory on Mexican soil this Tuesday, which would give Pochettino his second win as head coach.