The Seattle Sounders ruled out Clint Dempsey for the rest of the year over health concerns.
Dempsey returned to practice for the Sounders in mid-September after missing time due to an irregular heartbeat.
%
General manager Garth Lagerwey told reporters that Dempsey had a procedure to address some of the issues due to the irregular heartbeat, but he was not at liberty to further discuss Dempsey's medical condition.
%
Dempsey – who plays forward – had been out since late August. He has missed two league games and two U.S. national team games in World Cup qualifying.
Only a couple of games remain before the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Currently in his fourth season in Seattle, Dempsey has eight goals and two assists in 17 MLS matches this year.
Dempsey is considered one of the most celebrated American soccer players of all time. He has served as the captain of the United States national team.
Dempsey's health affects his availability for the U.S. national team’s upcoming friendlies against Cuba and New Zealand next month and potentially the team’s World Cup qualifying matches against Mexico and Costa Rica in November.