George Campbell has been withdrawn from the United States squad for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti because of the groin injury he suffered playing for West Bromwich Albion.
U.S. Soccer announced the change, confirming that Campbell has been withdrawn due to injury and that Toulouse defender Mark McKenzie has been added to the roster in his place. The squad stands at 25 players.
Campbell felt his groin during West Brom’s 1-1 draw with Southampton on Tuesday and was replaced by Nat Phillips at half time. Head coach James Morrison said afterwards that the defender would be assessed the following morning.
The United States had kept his place open while it waited for West Brom’s medical update. Mauricio Pochettino said on Wednesday that his staff would decide once they heard from the club, as FutnSoccer reported this morning. That decision has now gone against the defender.
What It Means for West Brom
Campbell stays in the West Midlands for treatment instead of joining the United States camp near Atlanta. The quarterfinals are played in Miami on November 14 and Cincinnati on November 17.
The 25-year-old has played 10 league matches this season in a West Brom defence that has conceded 13 goals, the joint fewest in the Championship, after making 41 appearances in his first season at the club.
West Brom are set to be without their captain against Millwall on Saturday, the final match before the international break. James Morrison’s side are unbeaten in five matches, and Phillips is the ready-made replacement alongside Chris Mepham.
The club has given no date for Campbell’s return. His absence now covers at least the Millwall match and the full international window.
A Missed Window for Campbell
The withdrawal is a personal blow. Campbell has three caps and had kept his place in Pochettino’s squad through the autumn internationals, in the United States’ first official competition of the new cycle.
McKenzie now gets that opportunity instead. The Toulouse defender was part of the United States’ World Cup squad in the summer but was left out of the original roster for this window, so the call completes a quick reversal for him.
West Brom’s next update on Campbell is expected around the Millwall match. His contract situation also remains one to watch: The72 reported this week, via the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, that the club has opened talks over an improved deal, even though his current contract runs to 2029.
