Stoke City midfielder Daniel Johnson was poised for a trip to the United States this week, but a surprising turn of events has him heading back to Stoke-on-Trent instead. The 31-year-old player was unexpectedly left out of Jamaica’s squad for the Copa America by head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, despite his recent involvement in World Cup qualifiers.
Johnson had recently contributed to Jamaica’s national team, coming off the bench in their 3-2 win against Dominica and starting in a 1-0 victory over the Dominican Republic. However, his exclusion from the final 26-man squad, announced at Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records, came as a shock. Notably, the squad includes winger Demarai Gray of Al-Ettifaq and Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock, both returning from injuries. Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, who had seemingly stepped back from international duties, is also making a surprise return despite a previous suspension for breaching team rules.
Johnson’s unexpected return to Stoke City offers a different trajectory for his summer. Instead of competing in Copa America, he will rejoin his club for pre-season training, which starts on July 1. This shift could provide Johnson with an opportunity to reintegrate into the team under manager Steven Schumacher, particularly after a challenging season where he made limited appearances post-Christmas and is now entering the final year of his contract.
The surprise inclusion of Leon Bailey in Jamaica’s squad has drawn significant attention. Bailey had declared a break from international football for mental health reasons and to spend more time with his family. His agent, Craig Butler, confirmed that Bailey’s stance remained unchanged, making his selection by Hallgrimsson even more unexpected. Jamaica will face Mexico, Ecuador, and Venezuela in their group matches starting June 22, with the tournament running until July 14.
As Johnson prepares to rejoin Stoke City, questions arise about his future with the club. Can he reclaim a spot in the starting lineup and make a significant impact in the upcoming season? Fans and pundits alike are eager to see if he can leverage this opportunity to solidify his place in the team’s plans.
With the national team drama behind him, Johnson’s focus now shifts entirely to Stoke City. His performance in the pre-season could be pivotal as he seeks to prove his worth and earn a more prominent role in the squad. The midfielder’s journey back to form will be closely watched by both club supporters and analysts as the new season approaches.
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