SOCCER

Weston McKennie changes Juventus shirt number ahead of new season

The United States men’s international team midfielder is ready to make his first appearance of the season with Juventus against Sassuolo.

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At the beginning of August, Juventus said Weston McKennie faced three weeks out after sustaining a shoulder injury on the club’s preseason tour of the United States, leaving the midfielder set to miss the start of the Serie A campaign. Fortunately for the Old Lady, the 23-year-old has now been cleared by the medical staff and could see minutes in the season opener against Sassuolo on Monday 15 August.

New shirt number for McKennie

When McKennie joined Juventus in 2020 he chose to wear the number 14 jersey, but he has decided to change it before the start of the 2022/23 Serie A season. The American will now wear the number 8 jersey and this also means that he will stay with Juve despite being linked to several clubs in the summer.

McKennie could be included in the final roster that will face Sassuolo on Monday and see some minutes coming off the bench because he missed the pre-season due to an injury. Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri has praised the level of the US international and he could become a key player across all competitions.

McKennie adapted quickly to the Serie A upon arrival and has made 55 appearances for Juventus, scoring eight goals and providing two assists. He will be an important player in the midfield in the start of the season because Paul Pogba continues to recover from an injury.

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