US Defender Chandler Hurts Leg, Trains On Own

SAO PAULO (AP) — American defender Timmy Chandler did not participate in training with his U.S. teammates Thursday because of a leg injury the team said it considers minor.

U.S. team spokesman Michael Kammarman said Chandler worked out on his own and is expected to rejoin teammates Friday, when the Americans go through their last practice at Sao Paulo Futebol Clube before traveling north to Natal for their World Cup opener against Ghana next week.

Chandler has been competing with DaMarcus Beasley to start at left back.

The Americans open Monday against Ghana, then play Portugal and Germany in their other first-round games.

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