Sighs of relief all round.

It appears the USMNT will have striker Clint Dempsey available for the World Cup after all.

From a U.S. Soccer press release this afternoon:

U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Clint Dempsey will not require surgery on an injured knee, according to a statement from Fulham Football Club following an MRI evaluation. Dempsey suffered moderate damage to a ligament in his right knee during Fulham’s 2-0 loss on Jan. 17 at Blackburn. The club expects Dempsey to be back in action prior to the end of the season.

“The news about Clint’s injury is positive, especially given the fact that he will not require surgery,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. “We are confident that Clint will be ready to be an important part of our team during the World Cup.”