Weston McKennie has been sent back to Juventus while Sergino Dest has been ruled out of action ahead of the United States men’s national team World Cup qualifier against Honduras on Wednesday, U.S. Soccer announced on Monday.
McKennie was not in the lineup for the U.S. in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Canada as he was suspended for violating COVID protocols.
“Weston will return to Italy and will be unavailable for the match against Honduras due to a violation of team policy,” Berhalter said in a statement. “There are high expectations for those who are a part of the U.S. Men’s National Team, and in order to be successful it’s important that everyone in the group is accountable.”
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Jackson Yueill has been called in to replace McKennie for the Honduras clash.
McKennie has previously gotten into hot water for violating COVID protocols. In April, he was suspended by Juventus and fined by Italian police for hosting a party.
Meanwhile, Sergino Dest will play no part in Wednesday’s game as he suffered a sprained ankle against Canada.
The U.S. will only have 23 players at their disposal for Wednesday’s game in San Pedro Sula, Honduras as Zack Steffen (COVID-19) and Giovanni Reyna (hamstring) have also been ruled out.
