Juventus star McKennie joins Pogba on injured list and could be out until September

Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie is set to miss the first weeks of the Serie A season after joining Paul Pogba on the injured list.

The United States international was relishing the prospect of teaming up with new signing Pogba in the new campaign, but that may not materialize for a long time.

Pogba could be out for several months after injuring his knee, and Juventus have yet to decide whether he should undergo surgery.

They would have hoped to have McKennie available while Pogba recovers, but, like the Frenchman, he returned injured from the team's pre-season US tour, damaging his left shoulder.

Juventus said in a statement on Monday: "Weston McKennie underwent radiological examinations at J Medical [the club's medical centre] this morning which revealed a capsular injury to his left shoulder. The player will begin rehabilitation , three weeks of differentiated work will be necessary."

McKennie missed Juventus' final game of the tour, a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday.

The Turin giants begin their Serie A campaign against Sassuolo on August 15, with further games against Sampdoria, Roma and Spezia to come before the end of the month.

If McKennie is to perform solo rehabilitation and fitness work for three weeks, it seems unlikely that he will feature in any of the August matches.

Pogba also appears to be something of an absentee, and reports in Italy suggest he may not play again until early 2023 should the former Manchester United player require surgery.

Having made just 21 Serie A appearances for Juventus last season, McKennie has been touted for a potential departure, with a number of Premier League clubs suggested as possible destinations.

However, head coach Massimiliano Allegri said in July that the club had no intention of selling the 23-year-old former Schalke player.