Clint Dempsey Diagnosed with Irregular Heartbeat, out of World Cup Qualifiers

The United States men's national soccer team will be without star striker Clint Dempsey during FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago while he undergoes tests for an irregular heartbeat.

A U.S. soccer spokesperson confirmed to ESPN FC that Dempsey will not take part in the two matches, scheduled for Sept. 2 and Sept. 6, respectively. 

"As the medical process unfolds and information is gathered internally, no other details are being made publicly available at this time," the Seattle Sounders said in a statement, per ESPN FC. 

U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati noted he talked to Dempsey on Friday: "He's in great spirits and appreciates everyone's support."

Dempsey will also miss his MLS team's game against the Portland Timbers on Sunday.

The 33-year-old is one of the USMNT's longest-tenured players. He made his debut with the national squad in 2004, appearing in 130 games and scoring 52 goals. No other forward on the roster has scored more than 10 goals in international competition.

This season, Dempsey has amassed eight goals in 17 games with Seattle, including a hat trick against Orlando City on Aug. 7.

His absence will leave a huge void that no one on the U.S. roster is capable of filling, but the biggest concern is his health.