U.S. star midfielder Weston McKennie faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury in Juventus’ UEFA Champions League clash against Villareal on Tuesday. According to the Italian club’s official update, McKennie has two broken bones in his left foot and will be out of action for at least eight weeks.
McKennie got hurt late in the second half after sustaining a harsh sliding tackle from Villareal’s left-back Pervis Estupinan. It was immediately apparent that the 23-year-old American was dealing with a more severe injury as he was having a hard time standing up and needed help to get to the sidelines.
Losing McKennie, who has four goals in Seria A this season, is a tough blow for Juventus, considering they are currently locked in a tight race with Atalanta to secure a spot in the UCL next season. Juve is fourth in the standings with 47 points, while Atlanta has 44 points and one game in hand.
The United States men’s national team will probably be even more weakened by McKennie’s absence. The Texas native emerged as a key player on the international stage in recent years and most recently contributed with a goal in USMNT’s dominant 3-0 display against Honduras.
USMNT is currently on pace to qualify for the next World Cup, sitting at no.2 on the standings. Gregg Berhalter’s squad still has three games to play in the World Cup Qualifiers, with all three taking place in March.
