da brwin： Alexi Lalas says “USMNT is bigger than Gio”, but he fears that “guilt” may influence the working relationship between Reyna and Gregg Berhalter.

da betsul： Article continues below

Article continues below

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Dortmund star left out of latest squadClashed with coach at 2022 World CupPair yet to speak with each other sinceWHAT HAPPENED?

Borussia Dortmund starlet Reyna has been left out of the latest United States squad – the first selected by Berhalter since his reappointment as head coach. The 20-year-old playmaker has endured his fair share of injury issues in recent times, but would expect to make the cut for his country when fit.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Reyna and his family did, however, butt heads with Berhalter during and after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – leading to an obvious divide forming in the camp. The man in charge of the U.S. national team admits to having not spoken with Reyna since that unfortunate episode played out.

WHAT THEY SAID

It remains to be seen what role Reyna will have to play heading forward, with former USMNT star Lalas airing his fears on social media. He has said: “They'll talk it out, but it'll always be there. Berhalter's challenge would be to avoid pulling punches, overcompensating, or using kid gloves with Gio out of some misguided sense of guilt or determination to fix situation. They can help each other, but USMNT is bigger than Gio.”

Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Reyna has earned 20 senior caps for his country, but now faces a battle to prove his worth with club and country after generating exit talks at Dortmund during the summer transfer window.