Leeds United news as Weston McKennie hit by fever while in America
USMNT interim coach Anthony Hudson has revealed that Leeds United midfielder Weston McKennie has been hit by a fever while on international duty this week.
McKennie, 24, played a prominent role in the USA’s winning start to the CONCACAF Nations League, netting a brace against Grenada and providing the assist for the winning goal in the 1-0 win over El Salvador.
As reported by Goal, interim coach Hudson shared that the Juventus loanee had the flu during the second match on Monday night (27 March), with the midfielder now preparing to fly back to West Yorkshire for Leeds’ upcoming Premier League clash against Arsenal (Saturday, 1 April).
“I think he had a little bit of a fever tonight,” Hudson said in his post-match press conference. “Coming off, I went to give him a hug and I just refrained myself from getting anywhere near him because he’s having some struggles.
“He was struggling a little bit tonight, flu-wise, but he did it.”
Problems mounting
If Javi Gracia had hoped that the international break would be a good time to relax, take stock and build confidence in his squad, he was mistaken.
From the cohort of Whites players who have been off on international duty, several of them have picked up niggling issues.
Austrian international Max Wober picked up an issue while attacking star Willy Gnonto is set for a scan on an injury he picked up for Roberto Mancini’s Italy side.
The frustration in McKennie’s case, if he is ruled out of the Arsenal clash, will be the brilliant form he picked up while on international duty.
In the 7-1 rout of Grenada, the Juventus loanee scored a brace of goals while playing another significant role in the gutsy 1-0 win over El Salvador, creating the goal for Ricardo Pepi to score in the second half.
Gracia will be crossing his fingers that McKennie will be fit to feature against the Gunners this weekend and that he can shake off any lingering illness doubts.
In other Leeds United, the Whites are now in pole position to seal their first signing under Javi Gracia despite interest from a Premier League rival.
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