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Tukwila, Wash. • Clint Dempsey returned to practice for the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday after missing time due to an irregular heartbeat, although it's unknown whether he will play again this season.
General manager Garth Lagerwey told reporters that Dempsey had a procedure to address some of the issues due to the irregular heartbeat, but he was not at liberty to further discuss Dempsey's medical condition. Lagerwey said he is "cautiously optimistic" Dempsey will be able to return this season.
Dempsey has been cleared to practice and exercise, but has not been cleared to play yet, Lagerwey said. When he's been cleared, the team will consider his return to games.
Dempsey has been out since late August. He has missed two league games and two U.S. national team games in World Cup qualifying.