Friday's World Cup opening win over Paraguay ranks as the most dominant win the United States (USMNT) has ever had in the World Cup. But on the heels of that epic game, there's a little bit of worrying over whether top player Christian Pulisic will even be available for the next game.
Pulisic was subbed out of the game at halftime by head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The USMNT held a 3-0 lead at the time and finished the game with a 4-1 win. While they weren't able to double their halftime goal total, they still controlled most of the game.
After the game though, Pochettino and Pulisic both revealed that he had sustained some kind of injury to his calf - a "kick" as he described the sensation. He said that his early exit from the game was a precaution and he's "hoping" that he'll be fine. Pulisic also added that he doesn't really believe it's anything serious.
"I'm really hoping that it's nothing," Pulisic said. "Taking a little bit of precaution tonight but I'm hoping I'll be fine in the next few days.
"I've had similar things before. I'm staying positive. I don't think it's anything."
Worried?
USMNT fans were understandably concerned about any reported injury to their top player. Pulisic's injury history is more like a book than a paragraph.
"Ever had a calf strain? It feels like a kick, except there was no kick. This is a big worry," one user replied.
"Well that sounds ominous," another remarked.
"Ok at first I thought this was a precautionary move up 3-0 to just preserve him for future matches. Little bit concerned it might be something more than that with his calf. Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious. Full week off in between matches should help," a third said.
© Gary Vasquez-Imagn Images.
Some fans suggested that Pulisic rest in next week's game against Australia just to ensure that he's healthy for the far tougher game against Turkey the week after.
"Rest him against Australia so he can hopefully be back for Turkey. Just hoping we don’t have another World Cup with him severely limited. Would really hurt the teams chances of making a run."
"If Australia and Turkey tie, we need to rest Pulisic against Australia. We need him for the later stages."
"I wouldn’t mind seeing Gio start against Australia for either Pulisic to give him a rest or rotation with Tillman. But we will need the pace and counter attacking ability of Pulisic and Tillman against turkey and likely beyond."
Will Pulisic be healthy enough to start against Australia next Friday?
