Gio Reyna frustratingly subbed off after USMNT ace finally rewarded with first start in THREE MONTHS

• Reyna hadn't started since November 11
• Had three goals in last four matches
• Couldn't make a difference on this occasion

WHAT HAPPENED? The USMNT star had scored three goals in four matches since the winter break while offering a multitude of scintillating performances that have, until Saturday, come from the bench. However, after re-discovering his form and nearly three months after his last start, Reyna was named to the XI for a match by Dortmund as they looked to cement their spot in the Champions League places.

HOW DID HE GET ON? It was a relatively quiet day for Reyna, who showed signs of the fitness issues and rustiness that was the main reason for him missing out on a place in the starting line-up in previous matches.

Played out on the wing against Werder Bremen, Reyna struggled to get into the game, mustering just one shot that was nowhere near the target. He was eventually subbed out in the 66th minute, with his replacement Jamie Bynoe-Gittens going on to score just one minute later in a 2-0 win for the visitors.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: After falling out of favor under Dortmund boss Edin Terzic and following a controversial World Cup period with the USMNT, it now appears that Reyna has played his way back into the picture thanks to a number of vital goals as a super-sub. Whether he'll now be dropped again, given Bynoe-Gittens' impact from the bench, remains to be seen.

WHAT NEXT? Reyna will be hoping to make it two starts on the bounce when Dortmund host Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 matchup on Wednesday. All eyes will be on Edin Terzic to see if he gives the 20-year-old another chance from the start.