USMNT World Cup notebook: Chris Richards remains sidelined as Weston McKennie brings Juventus form

Weston McKennie has joined the USMNT camp carrying significant momentum from his season with Juventus. The midfielder, who recorded nine goals and six assists throughout the campaign, is focused on bringing that club confidence to the national team. He emphasized his flexibility, noting that he is prepared to adapt to any tactical role assigned by the coaching staff.

Meanwhile, head coach Mauricio Pochettino addressed the status of defender Chris Richards. Although Richards is participating in training, he will not feature in the upcoming matches. Pochettino expressed frustration over the unclear timeline regarding the defender's recovery, noting that the coaching staff now faces a difficult decision on whether he can reach match fitness in time for the World Cup.

As the squad prepares for a test against Germany, Pochettino highlighted the value of facing high-quality European opposition. He believes these matches are essential for the team's development and for identifying areas that require improvement before the tournament begins.

The camp also provided an opportunity for the players to reconnect with former head coach Gregg Berhalter. McKennie shared that the interaction was a positive morale booster, noting the deep professional and personal bond many of the players have developed with their former manager since the beginning of his tenure in 2018.