Christian Pulisic was a surprise halftime substitution from the USMNT in their 4-1 win over Paraguay last Friday. But as the team prepares for a much tougher game against Australia this Friday, the latest announcement on his health could be divisive.
Pulisic and USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino announced after the game that he had suffered some kind of calf injury. Both men were optimistic that it wouldn't be an issue and that he'd be good to go against Australia.
Nevertheless, Pulisic did not train with the team to start this week of practice and was instead off to the side doing conditioning drills.
According to soccer insider Steven Goff, the US Soccer Federation has announced that Pulisic will be listed as "day to day" with a left calf injury.
"USMNT star Christian Pulisic will continue working on the side and his status is day to day with a left calf injury, USSF announces," Goff wrote.
The USMNT was two different teams with and without Pulisic on Friday. They outscored Paraguay 3-0 when Pulisic (who was credited with an assist) was on the field.
After Pulisic left, the USMNT still kept Paraguay on their heels but struggled to find the back of the net. They gave up their only goal of the otherwise perfect game and didn't add the fourth until the final play of the game.
Simply put, the USMNT is clearly better when Pulisic is on the field.
© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images.
USMNT vs. The Socceroos
The USMNT shocked everyone, including themselves, with their dominant win over Paraguay on Friday. Their four goals scored were the most at a World Cup in team history and gave everyone the confidence that they finally have what it takes to truly challenge for the title.
But Australia proved the following day that the USMNT has some ways to go. The Socceroos took on Turkey on Saturday and shocked people even more by dominating the UEFA team in a 2-0 win.
The stakes of the game couldn't be higher. The winner of the game wins the group outright. If it's a tie, then the group stage will be decided the following week in the Australia-Paraguay and USMNT-Turkey games.
