CARSON, Calif. -- U.S. defender Steve Cherundolo will miss Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Mexico because of a strained right hip.

Cherundolo, who turns 30 on Feb. 19, hasn't played since leaving Hannover's exhibition game against Osnabrueck on Jan. 10 at halftime. U.S. coach Bob Bradley said Friday that Cherundolo won't be ready for next week's qualifier in Columbus, Ohio.

With Cherundolo out, Frankie Hejduk is likely to start at right back. Four years ago, Hejduk had four fouls in the first half during the home qualifier against Mexico in Columbus.