Duane Holmes replaced by Djordje Mihailovic on Gold Cup squad due to injury

The USMNT sent another player back to Europe ahead of the Gold Cup as Duane Holmes suffered an injury and will be replaced on the roster. US Soccer announced that Holmes “reaggravated a left quadriceps strain” which doesn't seem to have healed from the regular season with Derby County. Chicago Fire midfielder Djordje Mihailovic will be taking his spot for the tournament.

The injury means that fans won’t be able to see Holmes in a competitive environment for the national team as the squad gets set to defend its 2017 Gold Cup title starting on Tuesday. The Columbus, Georgia native and British-American dual national has caught the attention of fans since breaking through with Scunthorpe United. He transferred from The Iron to Derby County and helped the team reach the Championship playoff where they ultimately lost to Aston Villa.

While his absence is something of a disappointment, it will be a chance for Mihailovic to step up and show he has what it takes to fight for minutes on Gregg Berhalter’s roster after not making the initial cut.