BY RIDGE MAHONEY U.S. coach Bruce Arena says goalkeeper Brad Friedel asked not to be included on the team’s roster for the upcoming qualifier against Mexico and will be considered for future games. Friedel, who played the first two games of the Hexagonal against Mexico and Honduras but sat out three subsequent qualifiers, was not named to a 23-man squad for Sunday’s match at Azteca Stadium. “Brad requested some time off,” said Arena. “He just got married. He needs some time and he’ll get that before he heads back to Blackburn. I anticipate that he’ll continue to be a member of the national team.” Efforts to reach Friedel were unsuccessful. A source said months ago Friedel was so frustrated at sharing time in goal that he had considered quitting the U.S. team. Arena said Friedel could have been chosen to play against Mexico and denied rumors an argument between them triggered the keeper’s absence. “There’s no point in speculating about it now but he would have had a very good chance of starting,” said Arena. “Brad and I have talked about this over the last couple of weeks. The things I talk with my players about I keep confidential. “I don’t expect him to be retiring [from the national team].” When asked if Friedel would be summoned this week in case of an injury to Keller, Arena said, “I’m not forecasting that right now. I’m happy with the group we have in camp.” The other goalkeepers named to the squad are Tom Presthus of Columbus and Nick Rimando of Miami. Presthus has one appearance as a sub and Rimando has never played for the national team. Tony Meola of Kansas City is unavailable because of an abdominal strain. Keller played one of his best U.S. games two years ago in the Azteca. He pulled off several brilliant saves in a 1-0 loss to Mexico in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup. His situation is much less settled than that of Friedel. Keller’s contract with Spanish club Rayo Vallecano has expired and he is considering several offers. “It looks like I’ll be going back to England, but nothing’s been decided,” Keller said prior to the 2-0 U.S. win over Trinidad & Tobago. “At this point, it looks like either England or Spain.” Friedel moved from Liverpool to Blackburn last season and stepped right into the starter’s jersey as Rovers won promotion to the Premier League. Since Arena took over the national team in 1998, Keller has played 15 games and Friedel 12.