Gio Reyna set for return to USMNT squad

Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Gio Reyna is expected to be named in the United States squad after holding talks with head coach Gregg Berhalter.

Gio Reyna is closing in on his return to full fitness and has been Borussia Dortmund’s matchday squad for each of their last two matches. Now, a USMNT call-up is also in the cards for the highly rated attacking midfielder.

This has been revealed by US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker, who has claimed that Reyna held talks with head coach Gregg Berhalter recently and the duo are now ready to move forward.

"“Gregg has had conversations with Gio,” Crocker said (via The Athletic). “They’re in a place where as soon as Gio is fit, he’ll be in the next camp. I think both Gregg and Gio are in a good place to move forward and that’s the best thing to say.”"

Reyna was almost sent home from the 2022 FIFA World Cup by Berhalter after being accused of showing an alarming lack of effort. He was only allowed to stay in the camp after apologising to his teammates.

The relationship between the two became further strained in the aftermath, and the 20 year old’s parents also got involved in the matter. A domestic violence incident involving Berhalter also came to light, and his contract wasn’t extended after the World Cup as US Soccer conducted an investigation.

Gio Reyna returned to the USMNT set-up in March, and also featured in the Concacaf Nations League playoffs in June. But he suffered a serious injury in the Nations League final, and hasn’t played in a competitive game since.

Berhalter has now been reinstated as USMNT head coach, and will announce his next squad in due course for next month’s international break. If selected, Reyna could go up against several of his several of his club teammates as the United States take on Germany in a friendly match on October 14.