Adversity has become a way of life for USMNT. Already coming with the baggage of a poor Copa America campaign, the Star and Stripes are looking to play the September-friendly window with a clean slate. However, just hours before their initial fixture against Canada, youngster Giovanni Reyna was stripped from the 24-player squad.

Interim head coach Mikey Varas surely called up the Borussia Dortmund star. However, the 21-year-old is now unexpectedly not on the roster. The reason why Gio Reyna won’t be playing against Canada is because he has sustained a left groin strain injury. The knock reportedly occurred during the group’s training session. But fear not, USMNT is already covered up on the backup.

Replacing Reyna would be Chivas superstar Cade Cowell. Notably, this isn’t the first time he has been called up. The 20-year-old earlier made eight appearances on the international front, even adding a goal to his account. Cowell, a 2023 Gold Cup veteran, has already contributed three goals and three assists in six matches at the start of Chivas’ Apertura campaign, giving fans plenty to cheer about.

As far as things are concerned from Reyna’s side, he has returned to his domestic setup to further work on his injury. Aside from Canada, Reyna also wouldn’t have been able to even think about facing New Zealand on September 10, Tuesday. Hence, the tough call was forced to be taken. While the reason behind his dismissal from the camp is known, there is no update as to how long will he remain out of action.

Further tests will be performed to see the length of the injury and a recovery will be planned accordingly. Either way, this turns out to be a huge blow for Reyna. Notably, he has only made one substitute appearance for Borussia Dortmund this season, despite showing flashes of his potential in pre-season. The 21-year-old was already restricted to a minor role with the Black and Yellow last season and struggled for regular playing time during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

The injury also couldn’t have come at any worse moment. This international window would have been a perfect chance for him to leave an impression under potential new USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino. Yet, there’s no choice for Reyna but to recover quickly and come back stronger. Sadly, he ain’t alone in the recuperation room.

Other USMNT stars missing from the roster alongside Giovanni Reyna

Sergiño Dest tops the injury list as he continues to recover from an ACL tear. Following him is Tyler Adams, still dealing with back problems that have overshadowed his time at Bournemouth. Tim Weah is another key player sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury during Juventus’ season opener. As for those absent but not injured, left-back Antonee Robinson has been given a well-deserved break.

There are no concerns about his role on the team. However, the same can’t be said for Weston McKennie, who has been benched at Juventus under new head coach Thiago Silva, despite recently signing a contract extension. Defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, a mainstay at Celtic, and Miles Robinson, who’s had a mixed first season with FC Cincinnati, are also not included.