US midfielder Adams makes a long-awaited return from injury

BIRMINGHAM, England — American midfielder Tyler Adams made his first appearance since the America’s Cup on Saturday and helped Bournemouth draw 1-1 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 season debut. He has been out since late July after back surgery.

Bournemouth were 1-0 down when Adams replaced Ryan Christie but salvaged the tie with Evanilson’s equalizer in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Adams endured an injury-cut season last year and made just four appearances for Bournemouth due to hamstring and back problems. He was included in Bournemouth’s squad for last week’s win over Arsenal but was left out of the squad.

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