Yedlin returns, Johnson dropped for must-win U.S. qualifiers

CHICAGO » Jozy Altidore, DeAndre Yedlin and Geoff Cameron returned from injuries and are on the U.S. roster for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago.

With the Americans in danger of missing soccer’s top event for the first time since 1986, U.S. coach Bruce Arena dropped Fabian Johnson because of a lack of fitness.

Arena brought in defender Michael Orozco and midfielders Benny Feilhaber and Juan Agudelo for Friday’s game against Panama at Orlando, Florida, and the qualifying finale four days later at Trinidad.

Seeking its eighth straight World Cup berth, the Americans are fourth in the North and Central American and Caribbean region with 10 points, one behind Panama and ahead of Honduras on goal difference. Mexico leads with 18 points and has clinched, Costa Rica has 15 and is close to a berth, and Trinidad has three and is close to elimination.

The top three nations qualify for next year’s tournament in Russia, and the fourth-place finisher meets Australia or Syria next month in a home-and-home playoff for a berth.

Roster Goalkeepers:

Brad Guzan (Atlanta), Tim Howard (Colorado), Nick Rimando (Salt Lake)

Defenders:

DaMarcus Beasley (Houston), Matt Besler (Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Stoke, England), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca, Mexico), Michael Orozco (Tijuana, Mexico), Tim Ream (Fulham, England), Jorge Villafana (Santos Laguna, Mexico), DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle, England), Graham Zusi (Kansas City)

Kellyn Acosta (Dallas), Juan Agudelo (New England), Paul Arriola (D.C.), Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia), Michael Bradley (Toronto), Benny Feilhaber (Kansas City), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire), Darlington Nagbe (Portland), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Gyasi Zardes (LA)

Jozy Altidore (Toronto), Clint Dempsey (Seattle), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose), Bobby Wood (Hamburg, Germany)

Midfielders: Forwards: