Schalke's McKennie in "bad mood" when injured

McKennie, 20, has not played since damaging ankle ligaments in the USMNT’s 1-0 win over Ecuador in Orlando on 22 March.

However, the talented midfielder has now resumed training ahead of his side’s crucial Bundesliga meeting with in-form Hoffenheim on Saturday evening.

"The injury was painful," McKennie told Schalke TV. "I couldn’t really walk properly because my foot was extremely swollen.

"If I can’t play football, sometimes I get a bit down because I don’t know what I should do. Sometimes I’m in a bad mood.

"But the lads helped me and the physio team too, telling me 'you have to do everything you can to get back on the pitch.' And that’s what we did."

Watch: See how McKennie got his first league goal for Schalke in October

The former FC Dallas youngster said he was boosted by the fact that many of his Schalke teammates had sent him messages of encouragement, and now he hopes to help the Royal Blues steer further clear of the relegation zone.

McKennie feels fit enough to make a comeback against Hoffenheim and – although he’s not sure how big a role he will play – he’s just happy to be back.

"I want to help the team," he said. "Even if it’s from the bench"

Schalke currently sit six points above VfB Stuttgart, who occupy the promotion/relegation play-off place in the Bundesliga table.

Following a draw at second-bottom Nuremberg last time out, Huub Stevens’ side will hope to make the most of home advantage against Hoffenheim, who are sixth in the standings after winning four of their last five games.