Many Americans are wondering whether Christian Pulisic will be fit to face Australia on Friday when the United States embark on their second game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The AC Milan No.11 was withdrawn at the interval as the USMNT hammered Paraguay by a 4-1 scoreline in the opening match, a decision Mauricio Pochettino described as precautionary after the forward suffered a kick to his left calf in training leading up to the game.
So, will Pulisic be ready in time to face Australia on Friday? USA Today can provide an update.
Late decision will be taken on Christian Pulisic
The signs are encouraging, but it still remains to be seen if the 27-year-old will be fit to face the Aussies on Friday.
It is said that the USMNT are taking this situation on a “day to day” basis as the former Chelsea star continues to train separately from Pochettino’s main group.
Pulisic – who surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s assist record during the win over Paraguay – is understood to be carrying out individual sessions with members of the coaching staff, which he did across both Monday and Tuesday.
Interestingly, the USMNT opted to keep the man born in Hershey hidden during the 15 minutes in which members of the media were allowed to watch training on Tuesday (16th June).
Pulisic remained inside the tent that houses the USMNT’s gym during this period.
Pochettino described his star man’s situation as “good” when asked for an update on Monday, while teammate Timothy Weah is optimistic the former Borussia Dortmund attacker will make it.
Weah said: “He looks normal, he’s fit. He works with the trainers on the side, but I think he’ll be ready for the game.”
Pulisic can boast 33 goals in his 87 appearances for the USMNT – a superb record, to say the least.
Considering Australia also won their opening match with a 2-0 win over Turkey, it is imperative that Pochettino has his talisman available.
Another win for the USMNT would secure qualification to the Round of 32 as winners of Group D – so long as Turkey fail to beat Paraguay.
