Christian Pulisic has been left out of the United States squad taking on Australia in the World Cup today due to injury. The United States got their World Cup campaign up and running with an emphatic 4-1 win against Paraguay last Saturday. Mauricio Pochettino’s side sit top of Group D and can secure their place in the knockout rounds with victory against Australia today.
However, the tournament co-hosts were dealt a blow before kick-off as it was revealed that star player Pulisic will not feature in the matchday squad due to a lingering calf injury. Pulisic started USA’s opening game of the tournament, providing the assist for Folarin Balogun’s first goal in what was a bright first-half display from the AC Milan winger. However, the 27-year-old was brought off at half-time due to a calf injury, and has been forced to undertake ‘modified training sessions’ away from teammates in the days since.
USA have now opted to take no risks with Pulisic and rest him for their second game of the tournament, with Ricardo Pepi coming in as his replacement. The USA starting XI features Freese in goal; Freeman, Richards, Ream, and Robinson in defense; Adams and Tillman in midfield; Dest, Pepi, McKennie supporting Balogun up front. Australia's lineup includes Beach in goal; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, and Bos in defense; Leckie, O’Neill, Okon-Engstler, and Velupillay in midfield; with Toure leading the attack.
Speaking on Thursday about Pulisic’s condition, Pochettino said: ‘He’s evolving and much better from Friday. We will see. If we see he’s not available for tomorrow, he will be available for the next game. When this type of thing happens, always it’s painful. Christian is strong and with a great mentality. He’s doing a fantastic effort to try and be ready as soon as possible.’
Pulisic will hope to return for the USA’s final game of the group stages against Turkey, which takes place on Thursday, June 25 in California.
