**Key U.S. National Team Players Depart Camp Before Mexico Match**

A series of player departures has struck the U.S. men's national soccer team ahead of their friendly match against Mexico on Tuesday. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie are among five key players who have left the camp for various reasons, as stated by the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF).

Pulisic's exit was attributed to "load management," due to his heavy playing schedule over the last month for both the USMNT and AC Milan. Coach Mauricio Pochettino noted Pulisic arrived at the training camp feeling fatigued and emphasized the need to protect the player given the intense demands on him. Pulisic has been crucial for AC Milan, being the top scorer in Italian league play with five goals and contributing one goal in the UEFA Champions League.

Marlon Fossey, Zack Steffen, and Ricardo Pepi have also left the camp owing to minor injuries, leaving the U.S. team roster at 20 players for the upcoming friendly in Guadalajara. Fossey, a left back for Belgium's Standard Liège, and Steffen, the Colorado Rapids' goalkeeper seeking a return after 2½ years, both missed training and the recent match against Panama due to undisclosed injuries.

Pulisic and Pepi were key contributors in the recent 2-0 victory over Panama in Austin. Pulisic assisted on Yunus Musah's goal, while Pepi, who plays forward for Dutch team PSV Eindhoven, scored in stoppage time. McKennie, representing Juventus, was in uniform but did not play; Pochettino later disclosed the decision was a precautionary measure.

The absences add to the challenge for Pochettino, who is already dealing with an injury-depleted squad. Originally excluded from the roster due to injuries were Tyler Adams, Gio Reyna, Chris Richards, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Sergiño Dest. Further complicating matters, Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun, and Johnny Cardoso were ruled out after the squad announcement on October 2.

With these significant changes, the U.S. team will face Mexico with a leaner roster, testing Pochettino’s ability to adapt and manage limited resources efficiently.