Onyewu returns to training with US national team

Oguchi Onyewu has returned to training with the U.S. national team for the first time since knee surgery Oct. 21.

The AC Milan defender, trying to get back into playing shape ahead of the World Cup, worked out for about 30 minutes Thursday as players prepared for next week's exhibition against El Salvador. He participated in 5 vs. 2 and possession drills, U.S. team spokesman Michael Kammarman said.

Onyewu, a 27-year-old from Olney, Md., ruptured the patellar tendon in his left knee during the Americans' final World Cup qualifier, against Costa Rica on Oct. 14. At the time of surgery, the U.S. Soccer Federation medical staff estimated he would be able to resume training in March and be sidelined a total of six months.