United States coach Gregg Berhalter has suggested Gio Reyna could still feature for the national team despite his minimal playing time this season.
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Reyna yet to start for Nottingham ForestTyler Adams still out with hamstring issueUSMNT boss discussed both stars' prospectsWHAT HAPPENED?
After struggling to break back into the starting XI at Borussia Dortmund in the first half of the season, Reyna was sent on loan to Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window. However, he is still waiting on his first start since then, racking up only 38 minutes in three substitute appearances in the Premier League. Despite his ongoing struggles, Berhalter has not ruled out calling the 21-year-old up for the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals this month. However, with Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman and Luca de la Torre all available, Reyna could still miss out.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT BERHALTER SAID
He told : "We know Gio is a creative player. We know he’s a great player for the final pass, and you know, we have to see what he can do in terms of workload, how long he could last in the field because he hasn’t been playing, but we also see other options as well.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Berhalter is also concerned about USMNT captain Tyler Adams, who continues to struggle with a hamstring injury that has deprived him of his first Premier League appearance for Bournemouth. The coach has outlined a possible return date for the midfielder when asked when he expects him back, with Adams back in training.
"Copa America I think is something that is more realistic, but I wouldn’t rule out Nations League because [Adams] is training with his team now. He’s back to training. So there’s possibilities," he added.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR REYNA & ADAMS?
Reyna will hope to be given the chance to help Forest in their bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League by making an impact should he be called on to feature against Brighton this week. Adams, meanwhile, will continue his recovery and hope to be called up for the Copa America if he is not able to compete in the Nations League semi-finals against Jamaica on March 21.