Zusi replaces injured Johnson ahead of crucial U.S. qualifiers

The thigh strain suffered by Fabian Johnson in Borussia Monchengladbach's Europa League second leg with FC Schalke 04 on Thursday will see him miss the United States' upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Gladbach confirmed that both Johnson and Christoph Kramer picked up injuries in the continental elimination, prompting U.S. national team boss Bruce Arena to call in Sporting Kansas City's Graham Zusi for critical tilts against Honduras on March 24 and at Panama four days later.

Paul Arriola may feel slightly perturbed at not filling the void. The 22-year-old is currently on form for Liga MX's Tijuana, notably scoring the winner in a 1-0 Clausura dismissal of faltering Club America on March 8.

Julian Green's case for a late call-up was less convincing, as he's yet to set the world alight for VfB Stuttgart in Germany's second tier.

Other changes to Arena's roster over the past 24 hours saw Brad Guzan replaced by San Jose Earthquakes shot-stopper David Bingham. Guzan submitted a fine performance in his last professional outing for Middlesbrough against Manchester City, but was granted leave as he and his wife are expecting their second child.