Gio Reyna out for U.S. men's national team vs. Haiti after Strasbourg injury

Gio Reyna will not play for the United States men's national team in its upcoming match against Haiti. The attacking midfielder was ruled out of this month's international window after sustaining an unspecified injury on Friday. He was playing for his Ligue 1 club, Strasbourg, when the injury occurred. This absence removes him from the squad for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.

The timing of the injury is difficult for the U.S. team because Reyna had only been selected for the roster a few days earlier. He had been enjoying a strong run of form with his club. On Friday, he actually scored a goal before leaving the pitch. This performance capped a period of valuable playing time that had translated into a more consistent role for the national team.

Reyna's recent form contrasts sharply with the skepticism surrounding him earlier this year. In the summer, many questioned his selection for the U.S. FIFA World Cup roster. During the 2025-26 season with Borussia Mönchengladbach, he played a modest 577 minutes. U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino defended the decision, stating that Reyna adds quality and that he trusted the player.

The trust proved effective at the World Cup. Reyna scored a goal and became a starter during the September and October international windows. His 2020 U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year award had previously been overshadowed by inconsistent performances and health issues. Those issues had limited his starts at the club level during his time at Borussia Dortmund.

At the club level, Reyna has become a central figure for Strasbourg. He has played 645 minutes across 10 games this season. That total is the second highest of his career in any single season. He is leading the youngest squad in Europe's top five leagues in chances created. He also ranks second on his roster in total shots.

Reyna is also beginning to show leadership qualities on the international stage. In September, 19-year-old striker Justin Ellis said he was excited to play with Reyna. Ellis noted that Reyna has been his favorite national team player for several years. One week later, Reyna provided the assist for Ellis's first goal for the United States.

The player has also addressed his personal growth. He stated earlier this year that he has matured in many aspects of his life. This development follows the high-profile drama surrounding his near-exit from the 2022 World Cup and subsequent family issues. His recent progress on and off the field has been a focal point of his return to form.

Injury remains a persistent theme in Reyna's career. Muscle issues kept him out of numerous matches in the 2025-26 season. A groin strain led to a lengthy absence in 2024-25, and a hairline fracture sidelined him for months in 2022-23. According to Transfermarkt, he has missed a total of 96 games for club and country through injury since the 2021-22 season.

Jack McGlynn is expected to step in for the U.S. team. The Stoke City midfielder, a former Houston Dynamo FC player, has recorded five goals and two assists in 11 appearances in the English Championship. Reyna brings a unique combination of creativity and vision to the roster. The U.S. team will now face Haiti without him.