Americans Abroad: Injury update
With the World Cup only a month away, the US men’s national team has begun preparations. Head coach Gregg Berhalter is set to announce the final 26-player roster headed to Qatar on November 9, inspiring excitement among contenders.
But as European leagues remain in play, USMNT figures continue to be at risk for injuries. And slight concerns have already begun to plague the team.
Here’s the latest on Americans abroad…
Weston McKennie is set for a brief spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury in Juventus‘ 1-0 win over Lecce.
The American midfielder was forced off at half-time on Saturday, inspiring concerns.
According to Gazzetta, McKennie faces ‚at least‘ two weeks out following an injury to his rectus femoris muscle in his quadricep, likely ruling him out for Juve in their final run of fixtures before domestic football comes to a pause for the World Cup.
This is the latest blow for the player, who spent the majority of the 2022/2023 campaign dealing with different injuries.
Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner missed Thursday night’s Europa League match against PSV Eindhoven, after suffering some “discomfort” during training the day prior. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the situation, adding the issue with his groin at training on Wednesday forced the club to opt for No. 1 keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
„Yesterday in training he had some discomfort in his groin, and he tried this morning but he was not well, so Aaron had to play,“ Arteta said. „We have to assess it, but it did not look like a serious injury.”
Turner has made four appearances for Arsenal since arriving in the summer from MLS side New England Revolution.
US men’s national team figure Luca de la Torre will be out of action for around three weeks after picking up a muscle tear.
Celta Vigo confirmed the injury, providing details of the tear.
“Luca de la Torre suffered a grade 1 fibrillar tear in the biceps femoris of his left leg, according to the ultrasound performed by the club’s medical services. The U.S. international will remain out for around three weeks.“
The injury puts the player in danger of missing the World Cup, as the US men’s national team are set to face Wales in their tournament opener in just 24 days.
The forward missed Norwich City’s 3-1 EFL Championship win over Stoke City on Saturday due to a reported calf injury. Manager Dean Smith revealed it was a precautionary call, after he left the pitch on October 18 against Luton Town with a leg injury.
“[He] felt it Tuesday, played on,” Smith said post-match. “But it was just too tight today. He’s got the opportunity to maybe get called up for the World Cup as well. We can’t risk him. And he didn’t feel it was right to go today.”