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Los Angeles (AFP) – Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie will return to the USA starting line-up for Sunday’s friendly against Uruguay as he continues his comeback from injury, head coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed on Saturday.
McKennie came on as a second-half substitute in Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Morocco but has not started a game for club or country since suffering a fractured metatarsal in February.
Berhalter said Saturday McKennie would play a maximum of 45 minutes against the South Americans in Sunday’s game in Kansas City.
“He’s at a point now, where I think he can start the game again, limiting his minutes to 45, and going from there,” Berhalter told reporters on a video call.
“Really anxious to see how he can do and I’m a little bit cautious. In the back of your mind there is that little bit of concern but you know it’s going to be a competitive game, and there’s no one you’d rather have out there than Weston,” Berhalter added.
McKennie had a mixed record during the USA’s World Cup qualification campaign, and was sent home from the squad in disgrace in September after breaching Covid-19 protocols.
However the skilful 23-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Premier League side Tottenham, is expected to be an integral part of Berhalter’s team for the World Cup finals in Qatar, where the USA face England, Iran and either Ukraine or Wales in the first round.
Sunday’s game against Uruguay is another opportunity for Berhalter to see how his team measures up against World Cup-calibre opponents.
Freed from the stifling pressure of qualification, the US produced one of their best performances in recent memory in Wednesday’s win over Morocco, and Berhalter wants more of the same on Sunday.
“There’s something to be said for having to battle through the intensity of local qualifiers, it’s a desperation type of feel by the opponent, by the circumstances,” Berhalter said.
“This is what builds your character as a group. And you know it’s gonna ramp up again in terms of that type of pressure.
“It’s still about the pressure we put on ourselves. There was a lot of talk before Wednesday’s game about us wanting to set our standard against World Cup opponents, and it’s going to be the same type of theme for tomorrow’s game.”

McKennie to start for USA against Uruguay: Berhalter

McKennie to start for USA against Uruguay: Berhalter - World Soccer Talk

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Cincinnati (AFP) – Timothy Weah is determined to make his famous footballing father proud and impress on a stage he never graced by leading the United States towards a solid World Cup showing in Qatar.
The American forward’s father George, the only African player to win the Ballon d’Or, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players never to play in the World Cup, unable to guide Liberia to the finals during his glittering career.
But with New York-born Timothy emerging as a key player in US coach Gregg Berhalter’s plans, the former AC Milan striker and current President of Liberia will at least be able to live his World Cup fantasy through his son.
“It’s gonna be fun,” Lille star Timothy Weah told AFP ahead of the USA’s international friendly with Morocco in Cincinnati on Wednesday.
“Something that’s been on my mind since I was a kid was qualifying for a World Cup, and it’s finally here,” the 22-year-old added.&nbsp;
“Obviously, my dad never got the chance to play in a World Cup, which is very unfortunate. But, you know, he has a chance to live that dream through me. &nbsp;
“As a father, it’s great to see your son potentially be on such a big stage. The whole family’s happy.”
Weah’s ambition to play in the World Cup intensified after attending the 2010 finals with his father.
“My dad took a vacation in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup as he was working for FIFA at that time. So I had the chance to be at the games.&nbsp;
“I was at the final too so seeing that as a 10-year-old is amazing. It just made me want to dream.”

– ‘Laughs, good vibes’ –

Weah’s celebrity parent hasn’t gone unnoticed in the American camp.
“I kind of knew who his dad was before I met him, and I couldn’t believe it,”said defender Walker Zimmerman.
“Oh my gosh, it’s crazy. This guy (George Weah) is like royalty. And then you meet Tim, he is one of the biggest personalities in the team.
“Always brings laughs, good vibes and music to the locker room.&nbsp; He had some tough injuries as a kid but has continued to push forward.”
Representing his country at the World Cup will cap a whirlwind few years for Weah who was a Ligue 1 title winner with Lille in 2021 before a difficult season saw the club finish 10th behind eventual winners Paris St. Germain.
Nevertheless, Weah will arrive in Qatar steeled by all his experiences in France.
“These past few seasons, especially winning the title, experience-wise has really been great for me,” he admitted.
“And I feel like I’m at a point where at the professional level, I’m getting really uncomfortable.&nbsp;
“And it’s just about exploring my talents and going into this season leading up to the World Cup and, and hopefully just levelling up my game before we get there.&nbsp;
“But I can’t complain…It’s been a great experience so far. I’m loving every bit of it. So I just have to stay focused, keep working, and keep my eye on the prize.”
Weah meanwhile was happy to see friend Kylian Mbappe opt to stay in France with PSG after sealing one of the most lucrative deals in history, frustrating European Champions Real Madrid.
“Kylian is a great player and I have huge respect for him,” said Weah.
“He’s one of my friends, I played with him. So seeing him get the glory and getting what he deserves is amazing. No one should take that away from him.”

Weah ready for World Cup stage

Weah ready for World Cup stage - World Soccer Talk

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McKennie to start for USA against Uruguay: Berhalter

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Weah ready for World Cup stage