Tim Weah made his return, but Weston McKennie's future remains uncertain after third DNP of the season.
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Weston McKennie left on the benchTim Weah returned, played 25 minutes at right wingJuventus top of Serie AGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
U.S. international Weston McKennie might have cause for concern after getting a third DNP of the season for Juventus in their scoreless draw against a well-drilled Empoli team.
The 26-year-old has played just 24 minutes in Turin-based side's opening four Serie A matches. On a positive for USMNT fans, Tim Weah returned to action for the but was largely ineffective on the right wing.
Juventus haven't scored in their last two matches after opening the season with six goals in their first two encounter.
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After a week in which new USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino and sporting director Matt Crocker emphasized the importance of consistent playing time for the team’s players, McKennie’s lack of minutes could affect his status as one of the top U.S. players.
Uncertainty around McKennie's future at Juventus has followed him for the past two seasons at the club. He was able to use that as motivation in a banner year last season, but under a new manager in Motta, his luck hasn't been the same.
McKennie was left out of the most recent USMNT squad with interim manager Mikey Varas insisting that he needed more training with Juventus.
Although its been a inconsistent start to the season, Juventus currently remain top of the Serie A table.
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McKennie was repeatedly linked with a move away last summer. GOAL reported in late July that Fiorentina had shown interest in the midfielder, while there were also scattered suggestions that he could unite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MCKENNIE?
With the transfer window now shut, it seems that the midfielder will have to stick around and fight for his spot in the side. Juventus play PSV on Tuesday in matchday one of the revamped Champions League format – where he could meet fellow USMNT-ers Malik Tillman, Ricky Ladezma and Ricardo Pepi.