Marky Delgado in, Weston McKennie out for upcoming USMNT friendlies

U.S. Soccer announced that Marky Delgado is replacing Weston McKennie for the upcoming Kickoff Series friendlies against Colombia and Peru.

McKennie, who plays for Schalke in the Bundesliga, exited Saturday’s match against Fortuna Dusseldorf in the 79th minute, and has been diagnosed with a right adductor injury. According to ESPN, manager Domenico Tedesco “downplayed the severity of the ailment.” McKennie scored two notable goals over the past week, the game-winner in a mid-week Championship League fixture against Lokomotiv Moscow and the opener against Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Fans hoping to see the national team’s emerging young core will be disappointed. In addition to McKennie, Tyler Adams and Christian Pulisic were also ruled out with injuries.

Delgado has earned three caps for the national team, with his debut coming in March’s friendly against Paraguay. The 23-year-old midfielder began his career with Chivas USA in 2012, and currently plays for Toronto FC. He has one goal and two assists in 26 appearances this season.

The USMNT faces off against Colombia on Thursday, October 11th and Peru on Tuesday, October 16th.