Ellis Keeps Klingenberg Off USWNT Roster for SheBelieves Cup

U.S. Women’s National Team coach Jill Ellis announced her 23-player roster for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup, and one player not making the cut is Meghan Klingenberg.

Although she has been dealing with an ailing back, Klingenberg was still brought into camp by Ellis — but ultimately Ellis’ assessment was that the World Cup winning defender from Gibsonia wasn’t quite ready for the intense competition.
Klingenberg will be missing action with the USWNT for the first time since seizing the starting left outside back spot in 2014.
Since making her debut for the National Team in 2011, Klingenberg has earned 70 caps for USWNT, and has scored three goals.
Ellis shared her decision with USSoccer.com

“For Meghan, the message was ‘you’re not quite ready’. She’s been battling an injury, she’s been out from all physical activity for a long time and I certainly wanted to bring her in and have a look at her and see where she’s at, but Meghan and I both understand that right now she’s not ready to jump into that intense 90-minute environment. She’s working her way back and the (Portland) Thorns will be a great platform where she can build herself back up. 

Klingenberg has not played since October after suffering a back injury, and was in Pittsburgh in December and January — seen at her camp for younger players and also at Pittsburgh Steelers home game.

SheBelieves Cup will feature the world number one ranked USWNT against top European teams including Germany this week.
SheBelieves Cup:
March 1 in Chester, Pa.
England vs. France (4 pm) | USA vs. Germany (7 pm on FS1)
March 4 in Harrison, N.J.
France vs. Germany (2:15 pm) | USA vs. England (5 pm on FOX)
March 7 in Washington, D.C.
Germany vs. England (4 pm) | USA vs. France (7 pm on FS1)
All times ET.
Here’s the complete USWNT roster for the SheBelieves Cup:
U.S. Roster:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).
DEFENDERS (6): Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Ali Krieger (Orlando Pride), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns).
MIDFIELDERS (8): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns), Rose Lavelle (Boston Breakers), Carli Lloyd (Manchester City), Allie Long (Portland Thorns), Samantha Mewis (NC Courage), Brianna Pinto (CASL).
FORWARDS (6): Crystal Dunn (Chelsea Ladies), Jessica McDonald (NC Courage), Alex Morgan (Lyon), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (UCLA), Lynn Williams (NC Courage).