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Mauricio Pochettino leaves out Chelsea duo from USMNT squad after landing new 'special' job

Mauricio Pochettino speaks during a press conference
-Credit: (Image: Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/Getty Images)


Mauricio Pochettino has omitted Caleb Wiley and Gabriel Slonina from the United States Men's National Team ahead of the October international break. The former Chelsea boss has named his first squad since taking the head coach position last month.

Shortly after leaving Stamford Bridge, Pochettino replaced Mikey Varas, who briefly served as interim manager following the departure of Gregg Berhalter. The Argentinean will make his debut in a friendly against Panama at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.

The US will then lock horns with Mexico in Guadalajara at the Estadio Akron in another friendly. Not only will Pochettino be able to get the ball rolling, but he'll also have the chance to get a closer look at his 25-man squad on the training pitches.

The players will be determined to make a great first impression and earn a place in the 52-year-old's maiden starting lineup. Unfortunately for Wiley and Slonina, though, they've been denied the chance to break the ice with Pochettino.

The former, who's currently on loan at Strasbourg, has been nursing a knee injury, missing each of the French outfit's last three Ligue 1 games. Before picking up a knock, Wiley was a regular in the side – which was enough to earn a call-up to the USMNT by Varas.

Meanwhile, the latter, who's on loan at Barnsley this season, has enjoyed a brilliant start to the campaign in League One. Slonina has already chalked up 11 appearances, helping the Tykes reach the third round of the Carabao Cup and climb to seventh in the table.

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Despite his impressive performances, Pochettino overlooked the 20-year-old. While the youngster may be disappointed, the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss has insisted that the 'door is open' for players to force themselves into his plans.

"The circumstances are so special after the Copa America," said Pochettino in September. "The situation wasn't good for the players to manage in the last two games. But the most important thing is to see the potential that we have. [We have] very good players.

"I think [we'll] send the message to everyone, not only the players that were involved in the last few games, not only the players that play in Europe or the players that play here in USA and then MLS. Every single player that is around the world, we are going to try to pay attention and from now, they have the door open.

"It's all about their performance and try to show that they are capable to join the national team. I think that is one of our first ideas that we want to translate to our players. They need to understand that if they perform, we are going to be there watching."

So, with that being said, football.london have taken a look at Pochettino's first USMNT squad.

USMNT roster for the October friendlies

Goalkeepers (4): Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace).

Defenders (8): Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic).

Midfielders (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Gianluca Busio (Venezia), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven).

Forwards (6): Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Timothy Weah (Juventus), Haji Wright (Coventry City).