LivescoreMcKennie to Miss Remaining World Cup Qualifiers
United States men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter has received the disappointing news that Weston McKennie, one of his star midfielders, will miss the team’s remaining World Cup Qualifiers. He suffered a broken left foot during Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Villareal in the Champion’s League that will keep him out of action for between eight and twelve weeks. Prior to the injury the United States were heavily fancied to qualify for the World Cup by both fans and experts. They were among the favourites to reach this year’s tournament according to US sports experts OddsChecker, with many fans using their free bets to back Berhalter’s men. These fans will hope the injury to the midfielder won’t affect their chances too much.
How it happened
He suffered the injury as a result of a strong challenge from Villareal left back Pervis Estupiñán in the 80th minute of the last 16 first leg tie. The projected layoff means he’ll miss the rest of the club season, which will come as a disappointment to his club manager Massimiliano Allegri. After a mixed start to life at Juventus, McKennie has found his feet with some impressive performances. He has started most of Juventus’ big games this season, including the tie at Estadio de la Cerámica, so his manager will be unhappy to lose him for the remainder of the season.
USMNT games he’ll miss
As well as the rest of the Serie A and Champions League season, McKennie’s unfortunate injury means he is set to miss the USA’s three remaining qualifying matches for World Cup 2022. Berhalter’s men have tough games away in Mexico and Costa Rica to tackle, either side of a home game against Panama, the three teams directly below them in their CONCACAF group. They’ll need points from those games to avoid the potential agony of the playoffs.
Impact on team
The loss of Mckennie is a big loss to his club and country, who’ll both miss his energy and drive in midfield. The loss is arguably bigger for the national team due to the fewer options they have in comparison to Juventus. He is an impossible player to replace thanks to his versatility, work rate and defensive skills. While the USMNT may have players with similar or better technique, they’ll struggle to find anyone with McKennie’s ball winning ability. This means that Berhalter will surely have to tweak his tactics as McKennie’s aggression is a big part of the team’s high pressing style.
Alternatives
One of the potential alternatives to McKennie available to Berhalter is Valencia’s Yunus Musah. The former Arsenal youth product has performed admirably in what has been a tough season for his club so far. Although he is often used as a winger, many believe his future may be in central midfield, where can make the most of his impressive technique and physicality. Although he is only 19 years old, he has 11 caps to his name already, so nerves shouldn’t be a problem if Berhalter gives him a starting spot.
Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna is another option for McKennie’s spot, but it would arguably lead to the biggest change in tactics for the team. Reyna is a technically assured player who is comfortable both on the wing and in the center. While he may not be able to match McKennie’s energy, he can certainly make up for it with crisp passing and tight dribbling.
RB Salzburg’s Brendan Aaronson is a player who may be able to emulate McKennie’s energy in the center of the park. He plays as an attacking midfielder for his club, which is part of the Red Bull group of clubs that are famous for their high energy style. These clubs demand that all players are extremely fit and adept at pressing for 90 minutes, so he would certainly be able to do so for the national team.
Younger, untested options include Venizia’s Tanner Tessman and Gianluca Busio, Internacional’s Johnny Cardoso and Cole Basset, who has just moved to Feyenoord on loan from Colorado Rapids. So, there are plenty of options for Berlhalter to consider, although he’ll hope to have McKennie available as soon as possible.