More injury hell for the USMNT! Weston McKennie joins Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah on sidelines as Juventus midfielder withdraws with knee problem

The Juventus midfielder has exited the USMNT camp due to an aggravated left knee tendinopathy. With no replacement planned, the United States head to Trinidad & Tobago for the Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal.

The United States hold a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead in the series after securing a shutout victory on Friday in Austin, Texas. McKennie, a key player in that match, contributed to the goals scored by Ricardo Pepi, Antonee Robinson, and Gio Reyna. The midfielder played the full 90 minutes and is likely to head back to Italy to continue with his rehabilitation. The injury further compounds USMNT's woes as Pulisic and Weah are nursing their respective hamstring injuries.

The USMNT released a statement that read: "USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie has departed camp to recover from an aggravated left knee tendinopathy. No replacement will be added to the roster as the United States travelled to face Trinidad & Tobago in the second leg of the Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal on Saturday."

The absence of McKennie leaves the USMNT midfield with a lack of creativity. Coach Gregg Berhalter may address this by advancing Yunus Musah for direct runs and introducing Lennard Maloney in defensive midfield. However, this tactical shift puts additional pressure on wingers, with Kevin Paredes and Malik Tillman facing criticism for their recent performances. However, they have a solid three-goal advantage in their kitty which should help them get over the challenge in Port of Spain.