AFC BOURNEMOUTH midfielder Tyler Adams did not feature on Saturday in the USA’s 5-1 friendly loss to Colombia, but is on the way back to full fitness according to USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter.

Adams was an unused substitute at Commanders Field as Berhalter’s squad suffered their worst margin of defeat since 2016.

The 24-year-old missed most of his first Premier League season with the Cherries after re-aggravating a hamstring injury last September in Bournemouth’s 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Stoke City.

After spending close to six months on the sidelines, Adams made his Premier League debut for Cherries in Bournemouth’s thrilling 4-3 win over Luton Town on March 13, before logging a combined 82 minutes in the USA’s Concacaf Nations League triumphs over Jamaica and Mexico later that month. 

He scored a sensational goal in the 2-0 triumph over rivals Mexico before returning to the South Coast for only two additional league appearances against Everton and Brentford respectively.

Back spasms hampered Adams’ final six weeks of the campaign before earning a return to the USA squad this month. 

Adams remains a vital part of the USA squad, earning 38 caps to date and lifting two trophies to date in Nations League play.

His absence was clearly visible against the Colombians, but a return against Brazil on Wednesday in Orlando, Florida would be a great sign for his long-term involvement at the Copa America tournament.

"He's been doing a great job, he's building strength up and getting back to a good level," Berhalter told the media during his post-match media availability on Saturday.

"We were cautious with him at the Nations League and we are being cautious with him again.

“We're trying to build up his strength and fitness to get him ready to compete. (Colombia) was too early for him, but hopefully we will get to see him against Brazil or as the tournament begins."

Cherries boss Andoni Iraola will hope that Adams can enter pre-season training on a healthy note as the Cherries aim to build off last season’s impressive 12th place finish, their best in the top flight since 2017-18.