The World Cup is just around the corner, with eight years of hard work to return to the global tournament leading to a tense couple of weeks in Qatar.
But these competitions are all about timing, especially when it comes to injury issues.
Gregg Berhalter may have his ideal squad in mind, but a lot can change in the months leading up to the World Cup. Form will certainly play a part, but the USMNT's big stars will also need to avoid health problems if the team is to show its best self in Qatar.
With that said, here's an update on which USMNT's regulars are dealing with injury issues leading up to the world's biggest tournament:
After missing the second half of the 2021-22 Serie A season, McKennie nearly missed the start of this Italian campaign.
McKennie suffered a separated shoulder in training as Juventus prepared for the start of the year with a preseason tour of the United States.
But the midfielder is back and fully fit after starting both USMNT games of the international break.
Status: Healthy
The former Orlando City striker is hoping to push for a World Cup spot at West Brom, but injuries have once again popped up at a bad time.
Dike hadn't featured since January due to injury, but played 12 minutes in West Brom's opener, a draw against Middlesbrough.
But he then suffered a thigh injury in training prior to the match against Watford and he's expected to miss about two months.
“He knew straight away,” manager Steve Bruce said. “He’s devastated, like all of us. We’re devastated for him because he’s really popular with the supporters because of the way he plays, and the way he is.
"It’s bad luck, really bad luck. You’ve got a 22-year-old who comes here and has never been injured, then he picks up three since he’s walked through the door last January.”
Status: Out until October
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Weah missed out on USMNT camp, but it appears he's nearing a return to action.
Lille boss Paulo Fonseca says that Weah is one of several injured players that has been cleared to return, even if he isn't quite 100 percent.
According to Fonseca, Weah will be in the squad for Lille's visit to Lorient this weekend.
Status: In squad to face Lorient.
Set to be a starting center back in Qatar, Robinson suffered an Achilles injury in May that is expected to rule him out for the World Cup.
Robinson underwent surgery shortly after, with Gregg Berhalter saying he was "devastated" to see the defender's injury.
After his surgery, Robinson tweeted: "I can't find the words to describe all the emotions I'm feeling today. But I do know that I am so grateful to have such loving family, friends and fans that have been so supportive over the last few days. Day one of the comeback starts today! I'll be back...believe that."
Status: Likely out until 2023
A new manager has come in for Chelsea, but what that means for Pulisic is anyone's guess.
Pulisic is fit, but may not be sharp as Graham Potter takes over at Chelsea. Having been limited to a supersub role under Thomas Tuchel, the American winger now has to prove himself all over again to a new coach.
He suffered a small knock during USMNT training that kept him out of the opening match of the camp, a 2-0 loss to Japan, but Pulisic returned to play in the scoreless draw against Saudi Arabia and should be good to go for Chelsea.
Status: Healthy
The USMNT's biggest health concern continues to deal with injuries.
Reyna pulled up with an injury during the draw with Saudi Arabia, kicking the ball out of play before walking down the tunnel. The substitution was described as "precautionary" by the USMNT, who insisted it was no major issue.
Reyna's club, Borussia Dortmund, shut down any concerns of a long-term issue, with the club confirming that Reyna will only miss seven to 10 days with muscle tightness.
Status: Potentially back for October 8 match against Bayern Munich
The on-loan Manchester City goalkeeper was ruled out of USMNT camp due to injury.
His time at Middlesbrough hasn't been inspiring, with a knee injury forcing him out since late August. He returned to face Rotherham just before the break, and has now been ruled healthy enough to start for Boro after the break.
He's got the backing of manager Chris Wilder, too, who said Steffen could be the best goalkeeper in the Championship.
Status: Healthy
The USMNT striker missed two recent games for Union Berlin due to a muscle injury, but he has been the man in form for the Bundesliga leaders.
He made his return for a win over FC Koln, making his eighth appearance of the season. However, despite his four goals, he wasn't called into USMNT camp as Berhalter opted to look elsewhere at the striker position.
Status: Healthy
Robinson exited Fulham's September 3 clash with Tottenham with an apparent ankle injury, leaving the USMNT without their starting left back for September camp.
However, Robinson has returned to training with Fulham following the international break.
Status: Nearing return
Carter-Vickers was set for another big chance with the USMNT after pushing his way back into the player pool with his strong performances with Celtic.
However, he was robbed of that chance by an injury that saw him removed from the squad.
He's unlikely to feature for this weekend's match against Motherwell but could return for a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig on October 5.
Status: Nearing return
Like Carter-Vickers, Richards is a player that could have used this camp to stake his claim to be the No. 2 center back.
And, like Carter-Vickers, he missed out on that chance as the Crystal Palace defender pulled out of the squad alongside CCV due to a minor injury.
It is not expected to be serious, though, as he's expected to be back for Palace soon.
Status: Nearing return
One-third of the USMNT's starting midfield missed out on camp.
Musah suffered a groin injury that kept him out of the international break, but the midfielder has returned to training for Valencia this week.
It remains to be seen if he'll be ready to face Espanyol this weekend, but the USMNT will be glad to see Musah back on the field whenever he does return after struggling in his absence against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Status: Nearing return
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