USMNT’s Zack Steffen returns in time for World Cup qualifiers
The United States international played his first game since 7 January in Manchester City’s 4-1 victory against Southampton in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
Zack Steffen has been dealing with shoulder and back injuries this year, but he has recovered just in time for the final batch of the World Cup qualifiers in CONCACAF. The United States international conceded one goal in his return to the starting XI in Manchester City’s 4-1 victory against Southampton on Sunday in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Steffen to return to the starting XI against Mexico
This was Steffen’s first start since 7 January and now he will report to camp in the United States for the final three games of the World Cup qualifiers in CONCACAF. If healthy, the USMNT head coach, Gregg Berhalter, will start Zack Steffen against the Mexico national team on 24 March at the Azteca stadium.
This will be Steffen’s first game with the United States men’s national team this year, as he missed the last games during the January international window due to back spasms. Berhalter had to start New England Revolution’s goalkeeper Matt Turner in the last three World Cup qualifying games.
The ‘stars and stripes’ need at least four points to secure a top three finish that would secure them a spot in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar that is scheduled to start in November. After playing against Mexico, the USMNT will return home to host Panama on 27 March and three days later they will go on the road to face Costa Rica, with Steffen expected to start in each fixture.