Auston Trusty has been named to the United States squad for this month’s Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, even though the Celtic defender remains on compassionate leave following the death of his father.
U.S. Soccer announced the 25-man roster on Wednesday, November 4. Trusty is one of nine defenders selected for the two matches against Haiti.
The United States plays in Miami on Saturday, November 14, and hosts the second leg in Cincinnati on Tuesday, November 17.
There is no return timetable for Trusty at Celtic. Whether he reports to the United States camp has not been confirmed by either his club or U.S. Soccer.
What Martin O’Neill Has Said
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has backed his defender publicly throughout the absence. Trusty returned to the United States for a celebration of his father’s life.
Speaking before the Falkirk match, O’Neill said Trusty was still away “celebrating the life of his dad.”
Reports of the manager’s most recent update say Trusty returned to training last week, then received more time away for the family occasion.
He was not in the squad at Falkirk on Sunday. Celtic have given no date for his return to selection.
Celtic host Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday, November 5. Trusty’s availability for that match has not been confirmed.
The Absence So Far
Trusty announced on October 21 that his father, Walt Trusty, had passed away.
His last appearance for Celtic came on October 15, away to Benfica in the Europa League.
He has since missed five matches. The run includes Celta Vigo, Hibernian, Dundee United and Falkirk.
Before the absence, the 28-year-old was a regular part of O’Neill’s defense. His physical presence and recovery pace have made him a trusted option at center back.
Support at Celtic, and an Apology
The length of Trusty’s leave became a talking point this week after former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie questioned it on his podcast.
The comments drew a fierce backlash from supporters. McAvennie then issued a fuller apology.
The Scottish Sun reported his statement, which read: “I’m genuinely sorry for any hurt I’ve caused Auston or his family. That’s the last thing I’d ever want.”
The club’s position has not changed. O’Neill has given the defender the time he needs, with Celtic’s full support.
What the Call-Up Means
Trusty has 14 caps and one goal for the United States. U.S. Soccer notes he is one of ten players in this squad who have won the Nations League before.
Mauricio Pochettino’s staff clearly still count him among their leading center backs. The selection keeps him in the picture for the new World Cup cycle.
For Celtic, the football question waits behind the human one. Alistair Johnston is also out with a hamstring injury, so O’Neill is short of senior defensive options.
Celtic face Besiktas on Thursday and Kilmarnock on Sunday before the international break. Any decision on Trusty traveling to the United States will come from the player and the two staffs, and it has not been announced.
