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Clint Dempsey participates in 1st Sounders practice after being medically cleared
The Seattle Sounders and USMNT star is working his way back to fitness after being diagnosed with a heart condition last year.
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Clint Dempsey got to train for the first time since August on Wednesday, after the Seattle Sounders announced that he was medically cleared to resume playing. Dempsey was diagnosed with a heart condition in the middle of last season, and was unable to play during the team’s run to MLS Cup.
Even though the Sounders won the title, you’d be hard pressed to find someone willing to argue that they don’t need Dempsey. He’s scored 40 goals in 86 appearances with the Sounders across all competitions.
Dempsey’s leadership was sorely missed on the United States men’s national team this fall, as well. Without him, the USMNT lost to both Mexico and Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying, costing Jurgen Klinsmann his job.
There’s no word yet on when Dempsey will get to play in a full-contact match, or if he’ll be fit enough to play for the national team when they resume World Cup qualifying on March 24.
Celebration of the day
Injured DR-Congo star Yannick Bolasie watched his team beat Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations and his reaction to their goal is so good.
In the news
Liverpool has inked Philippe Coutinho to a new contract. (LFC)
Mauro Zarate is a surprise signing for Watford. (BBC)
It sounds like Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel wasn’t consulted on the Alexander Isak transfer. (Bild)
Barcelona seems to think their coach Luis Enrique will walk away from the club when his contract expires this summer. (Sport)
Hull has accepted a bid from Burnley for Robert Snodgrass. (Telegraph)
You should be reading
Mohamed Mohamed on Corentin Tolisso, the next big thing coming out of Ligue 1. (Stats Bomb)
David Conn on Everton’s strange ownership structure and stadium proposal. (Guardian)
Michael Cox on England’s big men continuing to make themselves relevant. (ESPN FC)
What to watch on Wednesday (click for listings, all times ET)
Copa del Rey: Two games (from 1:15 p.m.) — Atléti is the early game, Real Madrid the late game.
Africa Cup of Nations: Two games (2 p.m.) — The last group gets settled on Wednesday.
League Cup: Liverpool vs. Southampton (3 p.m.) — The Saints have a one-goal lead from the first leg.
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