Galaxy’s Landon Donovan to sit out U.S. friendly in Italy

Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan, who is battling bronchitis, withdrew Sunday from the U.S. national team ahead of its friendly Wednesday in Italy.

Donovan, the U.S. team’s all-time leader in goals and assists, also sat out two dates with the U.S. team in the fall while preparing for the MLS Cup final, which the Galaxy won, 1-0, on a goal by Donovan.

Donovan, who had been playing the past two months with Everton of the English Premier League, sat out his last game there because of illness and has not trained with the Galaxy since returning from Europe.

Defender Timmy Chandler (left hamstring strain) and midfielder Jose Torres (right hamstring strain) were withdrew from the U.S. team because of injuries. Forward Brek Shea of FC Dallas and midfielder Sacha Kljestan of Huntington Beach, who is playing with the Belgian club Anderlecht, were selected as replacements.

U.S. Coach Juergen Klinsmann is expected to add one more player Monday.

Donovan’s Galaxy teammate Edson Buddle is not expected to sit out the game. He left for Italy early Sunday.

The U.S., unbeaten this year after wins over Venezuela and Panama, is riding a three-game winning streak dating to November as it prepares for World Cup qualifying in June.