Mark McKenzie
Out Wednesday
McKenzie (foot) is out for Wednesday's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: McKenzie is not going to make the team sheet Wednesday as the USMNT prepares to face Bosnia, with a foot injury too much for the defender to play through. This will leave the team with one less option in the center of the defense from the bench, with Miles Robinson or Auston Trusty likely to now be the first off the bench. He will hope to recover if the USMNT qualifies for the round of 16.
Unlikely for round of 32
McKenzie (foot) is in a tough situation ahead of Wednesday's match against Bosnia-Herzegovina after USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino stated "It's going to be difficult" for him to see action, Tom Bogert of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: McKenzie's absence would leave the squad without a central defender who logged the full 90 minutes in the last of the three group games. Instead, Chris Richards and Tim Ream are now the top candidates to form the center-back pairing in the initial playoff contest. While McKenzie is still questionable for the next match, he might not play a huge role for the remainder of the tournament, especially if he requires more time to recover from his foot issue.
Foot Issue under treatment
McKenzie (foot) is still receiving treatment for foot irritation ahead of Wednesday's round of 16 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to Peter Rutzler of TimesSport.
Analysis: McKenzie's continued treatment is a minor concern given the proximity of the knockout fixture, though the issue has been described as a relatively minor irritation. Chris Richards and Tim Ream are expected to continue as the starting center-back pairing against Bosnia, with McKenzie the most likely candidate to provide depth from the bench should he be cleared in time for Wednesday's clash.
Dealing with foot irritation
McKenzie was not in training Sunday due to foot irritation, but is expected to return to training Monday, according to the USSF, per Steven Goff of Yahoo Sports.
Analysis: McKenzie will be a player to watch in the build-up to Wednesday's match, as the defender was unable to train due to a foot injury. The good news is that it appears to be only a minor injury, as he will return to training Monday. This should still leave him fit to face Bosnia, likely featuring from the bench as Chris Richards and Tim Ream return to starting roles.
Five clearances in loss
McKenzie made five clearances, won one tackle, and made one interception in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Turkiye. He also suffered one foul and committed one foul.
Analysis: McKenzie delivered an adequate but ultimately disappointing performance. He wasn't directly responsible for any of Turkiye's three goals, yet he also wasn't able to provide the leadership or defensive stability expected from an experienced international center back. Look for McKenzie to resume his backup role in Wednesday's Round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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