US midfielder McKennie out several weeks with ankle sprain

HOUSTON (AP) — American midfielder Weston McKennie is expected to be sidelined several weeks because of a sprained ankle.

The 20-year-old was leaving the U.S. national team camp Monday and returning to Schalke, his German Bundesliga club. The sprain to his left ankle is characterized as moderate to high.

McKennie was hurt in the 63rd minute of the United States’ exhibition victory against Ecuador on Thursday at Orlando, Florida. He jumped to head a bouncing ball, Ecuador’s Carlos Gruezo failed to leap and McKennie tumbled over him and landed awkwardly.

McKennie is from Little Elm, Texas. He traveled with the U.S. team to Houston, where he was examined by a foot and ankle specialist. The U.S. Soccer Federation says no fractures were found.