Injury knocks Clint Dempsey out of U.S. soccer friendlies

Forward Clint Dempsey strained his right calf during training Wednesday and will sit out U.S. soccer’s final two matches of the year. The U.S. is scheduled to meet Scotland on Friday in a friendly in Glasgow before taking on Austria four days later in Vienna.

Midfielder Fabian Johnson was also forced to withdraw from the team with a right ankle injury. U.S. Coach Juergen Klinsmann said no replacements will be added.

Although the U.S. has won a record 16 games this year, the team has limped to the finish line. Landon Donovan was dismissed from the team before its final World Cup qualifier last month because of a sprained left ankle. He was also left off the roster for the two November friendlies and said Tuesday that he plans to rest for at least a month.

Midfielder Michael Bradley missed the final four qualifiers, but he is expected to play against Scotland and Austria.

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