American midfielder Adams made his long-awaited return from injury

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) – American midfielder Tyler Adams made his first Copa America appearance on Saturday and helped Bournemouth to a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in the English Premier League.

Adams, who captained the United States at the 2022 World Cup, came on as an 81st-minute substitute at Villa Park to make his debut of the season. He has been out since late July after undergoing back surgery.

Bournemouth went 1-0 up when Adams replaced Ryan Christie, but went on to salvage a draw with Evanilson’s equalizer in the sixth minute of added time.

Adams endured an injury-hit season last year and made just four appearances for Bournemouth due to hamstring problems and back. He was named in Bournemouth’s squad for the win over Arsenal last week but did not continue.

The return of Adams, 25, should be good news for USA coach Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Jamaica next month.

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