The USA have been excellent so far at the World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are guaranteed to go through to the knockout stages after beating Australia on Friday, and that win also guaranteed their place at the top of the group.
The US managed to win this game without their star player – Christian Pulisic.
Pulisic picked up an injury in USA’s opener vs Paraguay, but he should be back fit soon.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an update on Pulisic’s fitness, and while the winger may be back fit for the US’ next game, he may not feature.
Why Christian Pulisic may not play vs Turkiye
Jacobs spoke about Pulisic’s injury and explained his situation.
The journalist says the AC Milan star will be fit to face Turkey, but he may not play as it’s an unnecessary risk.
“I think he’ll be back for Turkiye, but the only caveat is now the game means nothing because they’ve already won the group. Turkiye failing to beat Paraguay, US men’s national team winning their first two games and it’s head-to-head by the way as well, not goal difference,’ Jacobs said.
“So, a lot of people say, “How are Turkey out when they can still get three points?” It’s because they’ve already lost to Paraguay and can’t finish above them and the same for Australia as well.
“And obviously, they can’t catch the US men’s national team. And again, because of head-to-head, US men’s national team finishing in first place. So, Pulisic is expected to be back. It’s just a kick to the back of the calf. But now that game doesn’t mean that much. Maybe it’d be more prudent for Mauricio Pochettino to wait to rest him and then bring him back for that round of 32 game.”
As Jacobs says, the USA’s game vs Turkiye is, at this point, a dead rubber fixture.
The USA’s Group Stage fate is already sealed, and they really don’t need to be risking their star player in a match like this when he’s only just returning from injury.
It may be for the best for Pulisic to sit this one out to come back fresh and better than ever for the Round of 32 game.
