Western Counties Soccer

United States coach Bruce Arena has revealed that goalkeeper Brad Guzan could start next month for the national team.

The US is set to play Honduras and Panama in crucial World Cup qualifiers next month. The two top choice keepers Guzan and Tim Howard are doubts for the games but Arena has said that they could return ahead of time.

Guzan has not been getting regular action at Premier League side Middlesbrough while Howard is still recovering from his leg surgery. Former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes has been the top choice at Boro, meaning Guzan might be a little match rusty ahead of the important ties.

Guzan featured in the game against Leicester City on January 2nd and the FA Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday the subsequent week. Yet Arena said he could still feature.

“Because they’re not getting games on a consistent basis doesn’t mean you can rule them out. And I think Brad has shown enough that he’s still a strong candidate to be our number one goalkeeper,” Arena said.

Howard was the number one after he impressed for Colorado Rapids after his effecting a transfer from Everton FC. However he fractured his bone in his right upper groin region. Guzan finished the match against Mexico – which they lost 2-1. Guzan also started the game against Costa Rica, which ended in a 4-0 loss and Jurgen Klinsmann’s sack.

“The expectation for him is his full recovery would be between 12 and 16 weeks, so he’s on schedule to hopefully start in the first week with the Major League football season. Having said that, could be off a couple weeks and perhaps he won’t be a candidate for March. But right now he’s in the picture,” Arena said.

He added that Geoff Cameron would be available as well, then added that he was impressed with the display of Bobby Wood and Christian Pulisic.