Americans abroad and Premier League wrap-up

October 27, 10:06 AMSoccer ExaminerNicholas Richards

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Before we look at the Champions League, the Premier League and the topsy-turvy season that is currently unfolding, let's look quickly at the last couple of weeks for Americans abroad.

The last two weeks have been a true roller coaster for American players. From qualifying for the World Cup to the horrific car accident involving Charlie Davies to finishing at the top of the CONCACAF Hexagonal to losing both Oguchi Onyewu and Jay DeMerit to injuries, it's been up-and-down for the US. Two of the three injuries are to absolutely vital cogs, and both could potentially miss the world showpiece. Onyewu is going to miss six months, and Davies is unlikely to play at all. The Onyewu loss is particularly glaring. He hasn't played much lately for AC Milan - who are seeking compensation for Onyewu's injury - and he'll have precious little time to regain his form going into the World Cup, which begins June 11.

There is some positive news for the US. Jermaine Jones' application for a switch from the German National Team to the US has finally been approved by FIFA. The Bundesliga star has missed the entire Bundesliga season so far after sustaining a hair-line fracture in his left shin, and he won't be ready to go for the November 14 and 18 international fixture dates. He will, however, be ready to go in March, and that will be the only time he gets to play with the US during club season. His addition, however, is a key one for the US. He's a true ball-winning midfielder and will add some steel to the middle of the pitch for the US.

More good news for the US. Clint Dempsey, who had been out with a shoulder issue, made his return for Fulham and scored their equalizer Sunday at Manchester City. Dempsey has been hit-or-miss lately. Frankly, he's looked tired from a congested fixture list, the Confederations Cup, and the start of this season. Hopefully the time off has refueled his tank and he can continue to build off his strike, a big one as Fulham have so far struggled this season.

That gives us the segway to the CL and the Prem. CNNSI contributor Gabrielle Marcotti gives out his midterm grades as we reached the half-way point in the CL last week. There are some surprises - Lyon, for instance, have been gold in the group stages, while AC Milan, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich get less-than flattering grades considering those four sides have won 25 European Cups between them.

Lastly, the Prem has been completely out of control. Chelsea and Manchester United continue to flip-flop at the top of the table. As a United supporter, it's tiring. They just jump-started Liverpool's season with their 2-0 win at Anfield on Sunday. It was a poor showing from United. Liverpool had lost four consecutive matches, and United came out with a shoddy performance. Typical. This season is going to see a lot of dropped points from the top sides. It's going to go down to the last day again, you can just feel it.