Landon Donovan has withdrawn from the U.S. roster for Friday's exhibition against France at Saint-Denis, preferring to train with the Los Angeles Galaxy for the MLS final against Houston on Nov. 20.
The midfielder missed last month's exhibitions because of a strained quadriceps. Donovan and Clint Dempsey, the top two American attacking players, have not been on the field together since Jurgen Klinsmann replaced Bob Bradley as coach in July.
US coach Klinsmann said he had expected Donovan to play against France, then return home and miss the friendly in Slovenia four days later.
"The plan was to have Landon come in for the match against France and then return to the LA Galaxy in preparation for MLS Cup, but after further discussion Landon expressed his desire to stay in Los Angeles," Klinsmann said.
"While my preference was to have Landon with us for this important match, I respect his decision," Klinsmann said.
Lineups:
Goalkeepers: Bill Hamid (D.C.United), Tim Howard (Everton)
Defenders:- Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Oguchi Onyewu (Sporting Lisbon.
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim).
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Edson Buddle (Ingolstadt).
