The absence of Weston McKennie’s is a huge blow to the club and country, with Massimiliano Allegri acknowledging the chasm he leaves behind in the wake.
What did Allegri say?
The Juventus manager said he felt sorry for the American footballer after the midfield player was confirmed for a prolonged spell on the sidelines, adding that the US national team star has certain characteristics within his squad that cannot be replaced. Weston McKennie was sidelined against Villarreal midweek with a broken foot that the Bianconeri later confirmed would keep him out for up to eight weeks. The 23-year-old will miss crucial games for both club and country, including three World Cup final qualifiers. Massimiliano Allegri spoke out on the injury – the latest in a lineup of strikes against key men at Allianz Stadium – and admitted that Weston would be left out ahead of Juventus’ Serie A top-four playoff.
Massimiliano Allegri, in his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s game against Empoli, said he felt sorry for Weston McKennie because he was fine and he was the only midfielder with certain characteristics. He is so sorry for Kaio Jorge’s injury, an injury that is also very bad. Bonucci played in Spain and this was not expected. Dybala could come back against Fiorentina. According to Allegri, there could be room for Kean in the attack and in this case it would be possible to rest between Morata and Vlahovic.
A little about the topic
Weston’s absence is a brutal blow for Juve – who is trying to beat back the highs of Massimiliano’s first tenure in Turin – but perhaps even more critical for the USMNT ahead of next month’s games. They still haven’t got their place in Qatar 2022, and while fate remains in their own hands, their final series of fixtures is a trio of potentially challenging tasks. They face Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica – all sides are still fighting to make it to the World Cup.