Christian Pulisic missed the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Australia because of a calf injury.
With qualification already secured, his role against Turkey is now uncertain even if he recovers.
That situation generated an obvious debate, and former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has taken a clear position.
Nedum Onuoha would play Christian Pulisic if he is fully fit
Onuoha believes Mauricio Pochettino should not automatically protect Pulisic from the final Group C match.
He told ESPN’s SportsCenter that he would play the AC Milan winger if he was properly recovered.
“I think for Christian Pulisic, if he’s fit and he’s available, I play him because I think he would want to play as well to get into a rhythm, because he’s not played that much football now through the tournament,” Onuoha began by saying.
The ex-defender also pointed to another issue for Pochettino, with some key players carrying yellow cards before the last group match.
“And for those players who are already on the yellow cards, you don’t want to risk some of those guys being suspended when it comes down to the knockouts, because they’re crucial for what has been an excellent start for the USMNT.
“So I think Pochettino has got some big decisions to make because those players that we see there, they have been key for the US so far. But this is why we have a 26-man roster. There are players who can come in, and given the fact that they’re top of the group already, maybe these changes won’t matter too much,” he concluded.
Mauricio Pochettino did not guarantee Christian Pulisic return
Pochettino made it clear after Australia that leaving Pulisic out had been difficult.
The winger had come off against Paraguay and was unable to fully train before the second group match.
Pochettino said it was “impossible” for him to play against Australia, while adding that he hoped Pulisic would be available next time.
That is not the same as a guarantee. The Argentine head coach knows the USMNT need Pulisic later in the tournament more than they need him against Turkey.
Onuoha wants rhythm. Pochettino may prefer caution.
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