Jordan Morris leaves USMNT, returns to Sounders

Jordan Morris did not dress for the United States’ 6-0 win over Honduras on Friday. Now, he’s been sent home. U.S. Soccer announced on Saturday that Morris, Sebastian Lletget and Michael Orozco had all been excused from camp with injuries.

Morris injured his ankle in Sunday’s 3-1 win over the New York Red Bulls. Although the injury occurred sometime in the first half — likely on the penalty he drew — he was able to play 81 minutes and score his first goal of the season.

Replacing Morris on the USMNT roster for Tuesday’s game against Panama is Tijuana’s Paul Arriola. This would also, presumably, increase the likelihood that Clint Dempsey will start a second consecutive game.

Depending on how much Dempsey plays and how serious Morris’ injury is, that could leave the Sounders with some interesting lineup decisions in Friday’s match against Atlanta United. The most likely scenario if Morris isn’t deemed fit enough to start is to have Will Bruin take his place. If the Sounders opt for caution with Dempsey, we could see Harry Shipp or Nicolas Lodeiro slide into the No. 10 role. That would likely mean the return of Alvaro Fernandez to the starting lineup.