Earthquakes center back Victor Bernardez was called up by the Honduran national team Monday for regional World Cup qualifying matches starting next month.

Bernardez got the news on his first day back to practice since suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament April 14 against the New York Red Bulls.

Joining him on the field was fellow Honduran Marvin Chavez, another big offseason acquisition by the Quakes (7-2-3). Chavez has missed the past three games as the Earthquakes have gone 0-1-2.

Coach Frank Yallop said Monday he would allow the two starters to ease back into the lineup, targeting the weekend as a possibility. San Jose plays at Los Angeles on Wednesday and Kansas City on Sunday before a break in Major League Soccer action for international matches.

But Bernardez might not be available because Honduras plays New Zealand in an exhibition Sunday in Dallas.

Either way, Bernardez said that he’s finally feeling good. He also is excited to be one of 27 players called up by national team manger Luis Fernando Suárez. Honduras is in Group C of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament with Canada, Cuba and Panama.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Bernardez said in Spanish. “It’s very important to get to represent my country.”

Contact Elliott Almond at 408-920-5865 and follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/elliottalmond.