The U.S. men’s national team is taking on Canada in a crucial Concacaf World Cup qualifier on Sunday night, and will do so without one of its most important players due to the violation of a team policy.
Weston McKennie is out for Sunday’s qualifier in Nashville, and the Juventus midfielder revealed on Instagram that he was suspended after violating COVID protocols.
The USMNT was already dealing with the absence of Gio Reyna due to a hamstring injury, and Zack Steffen due to back spasms, but will now be without another of its most influential players.
This isn’t McKennie’s first time running afoul of COVID protocols. He was suspended by Juventus after hosting a party with teammates and 20 guests at his home in April, which forced him to miss the Turin Derby against Torino.
Sebastian Lletget and Kellyn Acosta have been deployed in central midfield, with Brenden Aaronson shifting to the right wing to replace Reyna.
McKennie could also be forced to miss the USMNT road match against Honduras on Wednesday.
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