Mauricio Pochettino says ‘it’s difficult to explain’ Celtic defender Auston Trusty’s USMT squad withdrawal

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Celtic defender, Auston Trusty has withdrawn from the US Men’s National Team.

The defender was missing for Celtic’s fixture against Rangers with Brendan Rodgers confirming that Trusty was carrying an injury in the week during the build-up to the game.

With the international break now well underway, Trusty was called up by Mauricio Pochettino for his superb Celtic form this season alongside Hoops teammate Cameron Carter-Vickers.

But just days before the big CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against Panama, Trusty has withdrawn from the USA squad as confirmed by the national association’s statement last night.

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US Men’s Team confirm Celtic’s Auston Trusty’s injury status

In a statement released on the USMT official website, the national association said, “Antonee Robinson, Johnny Cardoso and Auston Trusty withdraw due to injuries.

“USA faces Panama in the first semi-final on March 20 at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles.”

Trusty has four caps for the US national team and would have been hoping to add to that over the two-week international break.

Unfortunately, now, the American will head back to Celtic where, hopefully, the club doctors can take a look at his injury status.

Mauricio Pochetinno explains Auston Trusty’s return to Celtic

Speaking before the USA faces Panama, manager Mauricio Pochetinno said that it was ‘difficult to explain’ Trusty’s injury status.

Pochetinno told the pre-match press conference, “I think the three players that were included was Antonee, and then Truty and Cardoso.

“For different reasons but medical reasons, they are not here for that and it’s difficult to explain because I am not a doctor.

“I am not the right guy to say and to explain what happened with these guys but I see for different reasons they have some problems.

“And for medical reasons, that is why they cannot be here for the CONCACAF.”

With Celtic set to face Hearts and St Mirren over the next couple of weeks, Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that Trusty will be fit enough to see out the final two fixtures before the top-six split.

The Celtic boss will be keen to tie up the title as soon as possible and having Trusty in his squad would be a boost to help him do just that.