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Tom Hindle

Americans Abroad: Recovering Folarin Balogun sparks hope for Monaco, Haji Wright hunts goals for Coventry, and Weston McKennie posts credentials for Juventus

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, with big tests ahead for Balogun, Wright and McKennie

For a few months, much of the talk around Americans Abroad has been about who wasn't on the pitch. Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun and Josh Sargent have all, at various points, been sidelined with injuries. And while Pepi remains out, the other four are either back, or well on the way.

Balogun and Wright have the most to play for individually. Neither had the chance to impress USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino in proper competition, watching from afar as the U.S. lost twice in the Nations League. But now, they're back. And the early signs have been encouraging.

Wright has found the net three times in his first three starts since returning from an ankle issue. Balogun turned in a lively 15 minutes after undergoing shoulder surgery. It is unclear how Pochettino will approach this summer's Gold Cup, but the duo would seem to be up for selection - and a good couple of months would set them up nicely.

Weston McKennie also faces an important week. He was straight into the XI for new manager Igor Tudor, and has another chance to impress this weekend as Juventus face Roma in what could be a crucial fixture in their Champions League qualification hopes.

GOAL looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.

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    Folarin Balogun and the USMNT striker pool

    Perhaps this is the answer, then. There is no avoiding the fact that the USMNT has a striker problem. Josh Sargent is banging in the goals for Norwich, but struggled mightily for his country. A fine January camp for Patrick Agyemang brought about optimism - but hasn't translated to MLS. Pepi, meanwhile, is out for at least two more months after undergoing knee surgery.

    It would seem to leave room for Balogun, despite his extended injury absence. He has been out for nearly four months after undergoing shoulder surgery - the kind of injury that could have pushed him out of the USMNT picture. Instead, he could be the man they need, especially for the Gold Cup this summer.

    But that doesn't make his spot automatic. Monaco are a distant second behind PSG in Ligue 1, but will still need to finish the season strong in order to secure Champions League football next year. With seven games remaining, there isn't muchtime for Balogun to work his way back to full fitness and aid that effort.

    Still, if he can chip in, then Monaco will certainly benefit. He played 15 minutes last time out. Bank on him getting more going forward.

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  • Haji Wright Coventry FA Cup semi-final 2024Getty

    Haji Wright and the art of the comeback

    Wright is a confusing player. Part of the problem is that he really doesn't have a position. He isn't quite a winger, nor is he really an inside forward. Coventry, more recently, have used him as a No. 9. It's an imperfect fit, but one that has worked a charm. Wright bagged a hat trick in his second game back from injury, leading surging Coventry to a comprehensive win over Sunderland.

    The Sky Blues have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since Frank Lampard took over, but they could certainly do with a bit of attacking help as the season reaches a climax. A few good weeks from Wright, and a playoff spot is likely. From there, it might well be time to dream.

    Burnley won't make it easy, though. The northern English club may have ceded the top spot in the table, but they are still just two points off, and eager to earn automatic promotion. Home field advantage - as well as Wright's goalscoring nous - might just count for something.

  • Juventus v Genoa - Serie AGetty Images Sport

    Weston McKennie impressing new manager

    Igor Tudor was a surprisngly bold appointment for Juventus. After spending a few years employing boring pragmatists, the Bianconeri have brought in a live-wire coach who likes to attack. There are natural questions to be asked about tactical fits and the readiness of the squad.

    But it's at least exciting, and could help bring a dull season to life. He won his first fixture in charge, a lively showing against Genoa yielding a 1-0 win that really should have been more comprehensive than it was.

    Weston McKennie played an interesting role, used as a modified left wing back in an aggressive 3-4-2-1 formation. And it worked well enough, McKennie turning in a solid, industrious performance on the wing. Perhaps he would like to be involved more in an attacking sense, but it was far from a bad start.

    And it may well continue. Juve face an ever-improving Roma Sunday. If they lose to the Paolo Dybala-led side, they a Champions League spot could be in serious jeopardy. Win, and they will be among the favorites to secure a spot in Europe's premier competition next year.

    If the early signs are anything to go by, McKennie might play a key role.