The 34-year-old is back with the U.S. national team for first time since the Copa America, as the U.S. prepares for two crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Bruce Arena had been clear in recent weeks and months about wanting to be cautious with Clint Dempsey's return to the U.S. national team, but after watching the 34-year-old start two straight matches for the Seattle Sounders, the coach saw enough to believe the time is right to bring him back.
Dempsey is back with the national team for the first time since being sidelined by a heart condition that required surgery, as he headlines the 24-man roster for training camp ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Honduras and Panama.