Bill Hamid returns to D.C. United training, could play soon

United States and D.C. United goalkeeper, Bill Hamid, is back in full training this week after more than three months on the shelf with a torn lateral meniscus of the right knee. The U.S. international picked up the injury with the USMNT in the January.

The initial diagnosis had Hamid missing 4-6 weeks of action after his surgery and recovery. He's been spotted training in full with D.C. United on Wednesday and their head coach, former U.S. midfielder Ben Olsen, says that Hamid could return to the field very soon.

Olsen said that Hamid "could be considered" for Friday's game vs. #NYRB. But have to see how he responds to getting back to practice. #DCU

— Steven Streff (@streffsoccer) May 11, 2016

While the timing of Hamid's return is a little unfortunate and will result in him missing this summer's Copa America, he still has a great chance on the international stage. With Tim Howard and Brad Guzan either getting older or struggling with form, the USMNT's No. 1 goalkeeper spot is wide open for the taking. If Hamid can stay healthy (which honestly is a big if), he's one of the favorites to win that starting spot for the long-term future of the national team.