Pulisic and McKennie return to US squad for Concacaf Nations League quarters

Pulisic and McKennie, who play for Italian clubs AC Milan and Juventus, respectively, missed the 2-0 friendly loss to Mexico last month. The duo will headline the two matches against Jamaica, Pochettino's first official competitive games since being appointed as head coach of the US in September.

Forward Tim Weah is also back in the squad, but will serve the second game of his two-match suspension during the first leg against Jamaica, after receiving a red card against Panama in the Copa America in June.

Midfielder Tyler Adams, who has struggled with injuries, was among the notable absentees, but Pochettino said the 25-year-old was a very important player for the future of the team.

"The most important thing now is to see the (Adams') progression. We know very well that we need to look after him if we want to have him in the best condition for 2026 (World Cup). I think it is important to build that relationship," Pochettino told reporters on Sunday.

The US, chasing a fourth-straight Concacaf Nations League title, visit Jamaica on Thursday before hosting the Caribbean side on November 19 in St. Louis, Missouri.

US squad

Goalkeepers: Diego Kochen, Patrick Schulte, Zack Steffen, Matt Turner

Defenders: Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty

Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson, Gianluca Busio, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah, Tanner Tessmann, Malik Tillman

Forwards: Cade Cowell, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Brandon Vazquez, Tim Weah, Alex Zendejas.