Daniel Johnson has been left out of the Jamaica squad for Copa America as head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson sprang surprises in his squad announcement.
The Stoke City midfielder, aged 31, had been used from the bench in a 3-2 World Cup qualifying win over Dominica on Sunday and had started a 1-0 win over Dominican Republic last Thursday. But he was not included when a 26-man squad to head to the United States was announced overnight at Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records.
There were call-ups for winger Demarai Gray, who is now with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, and Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock, who had both missed recent action due to injury, while captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake was summoned despite surgery that will keep him out until the end of the tournament, if Jamaica is still involved.
But the biggest shock was the inclusion of Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, who has all-but retired from international football. The 26-year-old was suspended for allegedly breaking curfew during an international camp last November.
Bailey’s agent Craig Butler posted on social media: “Leon Bailey has stated that he is taking a break from the Jamaica national team for his mental health and to spend time with his family. His position has not changed.”
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