Pulisic is doubtful for USA's World Cup game against Australia


U.S. National Team Training Base (IRVINE, Calif.) — Christian Pulisic exited the U.S. men's national team training tent and ran to the far side of the field. His teammates had already begun warming up before Wednesday's practice, marking the third day in a row that the team had to work without him. Pulisic is participating in "modified training" and is considered "day to day," according to a U.S. Soccer spokesperson. The star striker left the American team's 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup opener last Friday, in the first half, after being hit in the back of the leg. He wore what appeared to be some sort of black compression cuff on his left calf on Wednesday as he went through light exercises with team trainers. The U.S. faces Australia on Friday in Seattle in the second group stage game (3 p.m. ET on FOX). The two teams are tied at the top of Group D with three points, but the USA have a slight advantage on goal difference. It is currently unclear whether Pulisic will be available to play. His teammates, some of whom spoke to the press this week, are hopeful. National team coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to address the issue in his press conference on Thursday. However, he is unlikely to reveal secrets about the line-up – and Pulisic's situation is unlikely to be known publicly until the line-ups are released on Friday, around an hour before kick-off. "We're really hoping Christian comes back into the game," attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson told a group of reporters before Wednesday's training session. "I don't know exactly what's going on, but we know he's going to give everything he has to get back into the team and be there for the game. So we'll see." Pulisic contributed to the USA's first two goals against Paraguay. He was dynamic and dangerous, showing the world that he is in great shape. He spoke to reporters after the match and was asked about his injury. "I'm really hoping it's nothing," he said bluntly at the time. Since then, the US has been wary of him. "We still have a few days to see how he is and luckily we have a lot of kids on the bench who are eager and ready to help the team and [we have] a lot of quality," said full-back Antonee "Jedi" Robinson, who plays on the left side with Pulisic. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter started the second half of the last match when Pulisic had to come off at half-time. What will Pochettino do against Australia if he can't play? There are several options depending on which direction Pochettino wants to go, including Berhalter, Aaronson, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah or even Christian Roldan, who plays for MLS's Seattle Sounders and will be eager to take to the field in front of the home crowd. Pulisic, however, is irreplaceable. "Christian is a world-class player," Weah said earlier this week. "Christian, for me, is among the top five wingers in the world. He's one of my favorite players to watch. Being able to play alongside him for a long time has been incredible." “It’s just the little things he does,” Weah added. "I mean, he showedthis against Paraguay. His skill and what he's able to do with the ball is incredible for us, it helps the team, and for me, he's one of the best players I've ever had the opportunity to play with. I'm super proud of him and hopefully he'll be ready for our next game." Pulisic suffered an injury during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar while scoring the decisive goal in the final group stage match against Iran that sent the Americans into the knockout stages. Although he asked to play the second half, he went to the hospital to make sure he was OK. Pulisic is the face of the team and is highly motivated to help the United States make World Cup history at home. He's the kind of guy who will do everything in their power to play on Friday. This is not an elimination game, but the USA want to finish top of their group to potentially have a more favorable path into the knockout stages. But don't be surprised if Pochettino chooses to be cautious with his star – the clash against Australia is expected to be physical and intense. him back in the game, we're going to make sure he's back for the rest of the way because we're going to need him, just like everyone else. I hope we have them all available.

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