Turner's Status Uncertain as USMNT Faces Pivotal Uruguay Clash

U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner's availability remains in doubt ahead of Monday's crucial World Cup group stage match against Uruguay. Turner, who suffered a leg injury in Thursday's loss to Panama, has been limited in training and his status is being closely monitored by the coaching staff.

U.S. men's national team goalkeeper Matt Turner's status remains unclear ahead of Monday's pivotal group stage match against Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium. Turner, who sustained a leg injury in the first half of Thursday's 2-1 loss to Panama, was replaced by backup Ethan Horvath at halftime but later told reporters he would be "all right."

Coach Gregg Berhalter provided an update on Turner's condition on Sunday, saying that he had been limited in training both on Saturday and Sunday. "We'll continue to monitor him," Berhalter added.

Turner's availability is a significant concern for the USMNT, which could be playing in its final match of the tournament depending on the result. The squad is already without starting forward Tim Weah, who was issued a two-game suspension after being sent off for a red card in the Panama match.

Berhalter declined to reveal who he plans to start in Weah's place on the right wing. "Timmy gives us verticality and assists, he's dangerous in front of goal, and I think defensively, he does a good job, so he's difficult to replace," Berhalter said.

However, Berhalter mentioned names like Haji Wright and Brenden Aaronson as potential options to fill in for Weah. Gio Reyna, who played right wing in his early years with the national team, could also be considered.

There is speculation that Uruguay, which leads Group C with six points after convincing victories over Panama and Bolivia, could rest some of its starters in preparation for the quarterfinal. However, Berhalter believes La Celeste will come out at full strength.

"My estimate would be that they play their strongest team," Berhalter said. "I think you go into this tournament wanting to advance and wanting to do the best possible job and their work is not done either. And so my guess is they'll play their strongest team."

The U.S. is in a precarious position entering Monday's match. The Americans sit in second place in the group with three points, slightly ahead of Panama based on goal difference (+2 in favor of the USMNT). There are various scenarios where the Americans could win, lose, or draw against Uruguay and still advance to the knockout round. On the flip side, the U.S. could get a signature victory against La Celeste and be eliminated. It all depends on what happens between Panama and Bolivia, who will play at the exact same time.

Berhalter said the U.S. will be able to get live updates from the other match, but that he will not share those with the players. "The focus for us is, how do we go out and try to win a soccer game?" Berhlater said. "We know it's a difficult opponent, but that's what we're trying to do. And I think that will obviously give us the best chance and that's what we're focused on."

"At halftime, if something needs to be said, we'll say it. If not, we're really focused on winning a soccer game."