Christian Pulisic Is Training ALONE And It Could Cost the USMNT the Group D Top Spot
Alright, Seattle, let's talk USMNT, because our hearts are absolutely in our throats right now! USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is meeting with the medical team TODAY, Thursday, to decide if Christian Pulisic, our star forward, can hit the pitch for Friday's World Cup group stage showdown against Australia. A giant question mark hangs over our national team.
Pulisic's Lingering Calf Issue Is Real
Remember last week's 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay? Pulisic played his heart out, but came off at halftime. He suffered a knock to his left calf, then got kicked in the very same spot during the game. Pochettino pulled him as a precautionary measure.
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Since then, Pulisic has been on a solo mission. He hasn't trained with the team all week, working instead with the technical staff in the gym and doing some ball work, not with his teammates. Both Wednesday and Thursday, he was spotted rocking a sleeve over that left calf.
Pochettino's Crucial Decision For Australia
Pochettino faces a tough call. He explicitly stated, "Tonight, the day before the game, we have a meeting with our medical area and we will assess the whole group, the players and tomorrow we will communicate on the things that we cannot agree tonight." There's a sliver of hope, with the coach noting Pulisic is "involved, he's much better from Friday. We'll see."
The coach did try to ease fears, insisting this isn't a long-term problem. "I think at the moment if he is not available for tomorrow, he will be available for the next game, but he's doing a massive effort to be ready," Pochettino explained. He praised Christian's "strong and great mentality" and his "fantastic effort to try to be ready as soon as possible."
Good news is, the other 25 members of the World Cup squad are expected to be available for selection. Pulisic is the only doubt. Still, losing our star forward for a crucial group stage match is a massive blow. Pochettino admitted he's evaluating all possibilities for who might step up if Pulisic can't start.
This Friday's match against Australia isn't just another game, Seattle. It's a crucial Group D showdown that could absolutely decide who tops the group. Let's hope that medical meeting tonight brings us the news we want. Go USA!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.