Paul Arriola joins U.S. while Lletget, Brooks, Morris, Orozco all withdraw

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Club Tijuana midfielder Paul Arriola has been added to the United States national team squad for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Panama, U.S. Soccer announced on Saturday.

The USSF also announced that Sebastian Lletget, John Brooks, Jordan Morris, and Michael Orozco have returned to their clubs, leaving the U.S. with 23 players.

"It's an unfortunate series of injuries and illnesses," coach Bruce Arena said. "That's all part of it."

Lletget, of the LA Galaxy, suffered a left foot injury in the 15th minute of Friday's 6-0 victory over Honduras, and will return to Los Angeles for further evaluation.

Hertha Berlin defender Brooks will return to Germany after battling a sinus infection all week. He was forced to leave the Honduras match in the 70th minute.

"[Brooks] wasn't doing too well today. They're working on it," Arena said. "They've got some blood tests on him today, so I don't know what the final evaluation was.

"But he's not doing well and it would be difficult to put him on a flight to Panama. And if he's not doing well then send him back to Germany. I think it's the right decision.

Morris was unable to recover from a right ankle injury he sustained with club side the Seattle Sounders, while a right knee injury prevented Tijuana's Orozco from dressing for the Honduras match and will keep him out of the Panama game as well.

"[Morris] is close, but you've got to be smart with this stuff," Arena said. "If everything goes according to schedule he can probably play the next game for Seattle."

Arriola has enjoyed a fine season with Tijuana, appearing in nine of the Mexican club's 10 matches in the 2017 Clausura, while registering two goals and two assists.

He has made three previous appearances for the U.S. national team, scoring two goals.