Saying five times that Gio Reyna is “special,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino called in the 22-year-old midfielder for November friendlies despite his limited club playing time in Germany.

Pochettino said Thursday he made the decision “to give the motivation to arrive with the possibility and and the belief that he can compete for a for a place in the World Cup.”

Christian Pulisic, sidelined since hurting a hamstring in an Oct. 14 friendly against Australia, will miss the matches even though he could return to the field for AC Milan’s Serie A game at Parma on Saturday.

Midfielder Weston McKennie and goalkeeper Matt Turner also were among the notable omissions from the 25-man roster.

Forward Ricardo Pepi, midfielder Tyler Adams and defenders Joe Scally, John Tolkin and Auston Trusty are

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