U.S.’ Fabian Johnson ill, won’t make World Cup qualifier Tuesday

The short-handed U.S. national soccer team shrunk again Sunday when it was announced that defender Fabian Johnson would not be joining the team in Kansas City, Kan., for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier with Guatemala, while suspended defender Jermaine Jones was sent home.

The U.S., missing five players from the 24 it called up a week ago, held a two-hour public workout Sunday in Kansas City. The U.S. leads its qualifying group with 10 points after five matches and needs only a draw Tuesday to guarantee the Americans a spot in the final round of regional qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Johnson, who remained with his club team in Europe, has the flu. He did not make the trip to Antigua and Barbuda for Friday’s 2-1 win but was expected in Kansas City.

Jones drew a second yellow card in the victory Friday and is ineligible for Tuesday.

Also out is Galaxy captain Landon Donovan (knee), Brek Shea (oblique) and Edgar Castillo (foot).

That leaves the U.S. with just 16 field players — including five defenders — for Tuesday.

A U.S. Soccer spokesman said there were no immediate plans for any additional call-ups. No matter how deep the roster is, the spokesman said, “we still only get three substitutions.”

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