Americans Abroad Ticker: Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, and more

Gio Reyna’s absence in World Cup Qualifying has forced others to step up for the U.S. men’s national team, but the 19-year-old could reportedly be back eligible for selection in the final window later this month.

Reyna returned to training on Friday at Borussia Dortmund after a short spell back on the sidelines, Ruhr Nachrichten reported. Reyna left Dortmund’s 6-0 win on February 20 with a hip injury, in what was his first start for the club since August 2021.

The USMNT forward has been reduced to only nine appearances for club and country this season, missing most of the campaign due to a hamstring injury suffered with the USMNT back in September. Reyna played 75 combined minutes in matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Rangers in early February before suffering his latest setback against rivals Gladbach.

In addition to having Reyna back in training, star striker Erling Haaland is reportedly moving closer to a return for Dortmund. Haaland has been out of action for the club since mid-January.

A healthy Reyna could be a major boost for the USMNT in final octagonal round qualifiers against Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica later this month.

Here is a closer look at all of the recent Americans Abroad news:

Antonee Robinson back available for Fulham

Antonee Robinson missed Fulham’s gritty 1-0 road victory over Cardiff City last weekend, but will be back available on Saturday.

Robinson did not feature in the trip to Wales last weekend due to an undisclosed absence. Fulham manager Marco Silva confirmed Friday that the USMNT left back will be available for selection for Saturday’s home showdown with Blackburn Rovers.

Robinson, 24, has continued to string together a strong season for the EFL Championship leaders, featuring in 27 league matches to date. The in-form defender has scored two league goals and registered four assists, while helping Fulham total 70 points through its opening 33 league matches to date.

Fulham sits nine points clear of third place AFC Bournemouth with 13 matches left to play. Robinson and fellow American defender Tim Ream have helped Fulham post a +53 goal differential, which is 29 goals better than Bournemouth.

Steve Bruce ‘hopeful’ to have Daryl Dike back in training next week

Daryl Dike has also been on the sidelines through injury, but could be back in West Bromwich Albion training as early as next week.

Dike has been out of action since January due to a hamstring injury after making only two appearances for the club since his transfer from Orlando City. The USMNT striker made his first start for the club against Peterborough United on Jan. 22, but had to be helped off the field following his injury.

Dike, Matt Phillips, and Kenneth Zohore have all been sidelined for the Baggies, but will be pushing for an immediate return.

“Hopefully all three of them will be out on the grass at the start of next week which means they aren’t too far away,” Bruce said Friday. “Of course, we’ll have to assess fitness levels of each individual.”

West Brom has only won one match out of 11 across all competitions in 2022, falling out of the current promotion playoff picture and into 13th place. The Baggies have lost six of their last seven matches and visit 19th place Hull City on Saturday before tough showdowns against Huddersfield Town and Fulham respectively.

Rokas Pusktas signs first team contract with Hajduk Split

A promising U.S. youth national team player has signed a first team contract abroad, continuing the growing trend of talent to get rewarded overseas.

U.S. Under-20 men’s national team midfielder Rokas Pusktas signed a first-team contract with Croatian side Hajduk Split on Friday. Pusktas, who has been playing with Hajduk Split’s Under-19 team, is under contract with the European club through 2024.

The Oklahoma native has appeared in 20 matches for Hajduk Split’s U-19 team, scoring eight goals. Pusktas has trained with Hajduk Split’s first team occasionally and has earned two caps with the USMNT U-20’s to date.

“Rokas is a player who was brought by the club in the selection process through talent scouting in 2020, and in the period spent in our academy so far, he has made significant progress in all segments of the football game,” said Hajduk Split sporting director Mindaugas Nikoličius.

“According to all the characteristics he shows on the field, but also off it, he is a quality, developmental and promising player. A modern profile of a central and offensive midfielder. He will need a certain period of adaptation to senior football, ie a planned introduction to the game in certain games, but this process will probably not be long due to his playing qualities and mental characteristics.”

Hajduk Split is currently fourth in the Croatian first division behind Osijek, Dinamo Zagreb, and Rijeka repsectively. Pusktas is eligible for the USMNT U-20’s this summer as Mikey Varas’ squad takes part in the Concacaf U-20 Championship.