Christian Pulisic has been following a 'modified' training schedule this week, casting doubt on his availability for the US men's national team's second World Cup group-stage match against Australia on Friday.
Pochettino's Comments
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino offered little clarity on Thursday regarding the playmaker's injury status. 'I think as you know he was training individually all week,' Pochettino told reporters. 'Like always, I think tonight or the day before the game we have a meeting with our medical area, we will assess the whole group, and tomorrow we will communicate if we agree on something tonight. He is evolving, he is much better from Friday, we'll see.'
Pochettino added, 'At this point, if he's not available for tomorrow, he'll be available for the next game.'
Pulisic's Injury and Training
Pulisic injured his calf in training last week and was pulled at half-time of the USMNT's 4-1 victory over Paraguay after aggravating the injury. He has been following a 'modified training program' since then, with US players and coaches offering little clarity.
The Milan midfielder was not seen with the full group in training portions open to media this week at the team's base in Irvine, California. He was in the auxiliary gym on Monday and Tuesday, then emerged on the field with trainers doing drills with a ball on Wednesday. After arriving in Seattle, Pulisic trained separately from the squad again on Thursday at the University of Washington's soccer complex. He was briefly spotted on the training pitch during a huddle before the session, sporting a wrap around his left calf, then disappeared into a nearby training facility with US performance staffers.
Teammates' Perspectives
The tenor from Pulisic's teammates evolved through the week. 'I know he really wants to be [on the field tomorrow],' said US midfielder Weston McKennie on Thursday. 'And he's doing everything that he can and the staff is doing everything that they can as well.'
Brenden Aaronson said Wednesday, 'We're really hoping that Christian's going to be back for the game, of course. We know that he's going to give us his all to get back into the team and be there for the game.'
On Tuesday, Tim Weah said, 'I think [Pulisic will] be ready for the game and ready to be with the team. I'm just praying to God that he feels 100% fit.'
Tyler Adams said on Monday, 'Christian will be ready, everyone. Let's relax. He'll be fine.'
Potential Replacements
The US could go several routes to replace Pulisic. Pochettino could adjust his approach further back in the starting XI, roll out an in-form Gio Reyna, or deploy Aaronson. Undeniably, Pulisic's absence against Australia could prove significant, given his strong performance against Paraguay and central role in the team.
'When this type of thing happens it's always painful,' said Pochettino. 'But I think Christian is strong, with a great mentality and is doing a fantastic effort to try and be ready as soon as possible. He is doing a massive effort to be ready.'
