John Brooks returns to Hertha Berlin training

United States center back John Brooks has returned to Hertha Berlin training following some leg problems that kept him out of two World Cup qualifiers and two Bundesliga matches.

One of the biggest disappointments during the last international break was not getting to see if  Brooks could replicate his sensational club form with the USMNT. He picked up the injury in Hertha's final league match before the international break, but traveled to USMNT camp anyways. There, after only a few days he was sent back to the German capital. The club were not thrilled with the way the situation was handled.

It could be argued that Brooks' fantastic club season has catapulted him to the top of the center back depth chart. Recent performances by players other than him for the USMNT certainly don't offer any evidence to the contrary.

Hertha Berlin are still in third place despite a few rocky defensive performances without Brooks in the lineup. They've conceded seven goals in their last two matches, both of which saw the U.S. international sidelined.

Now that the 23-year-old is back in training he'll be looking to finish the season off strong and get his club into the Champions League. With less than two months left in the European club season, he'll need to stay fit for the rest of the season to play a part for the USMNT at this summer's Copa America Centenario.

HT to ESPNFC