(Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images) Despite training away from his U.S. teammates on Monday in Irvine, Calif., Christian Pulisic is expected to be ready for the Americans’ Friday match vs. Australia in Seattle. Pulisic left at halftime of the United States’ 4-1 win over Paraguay last Friday after getting kicked in his left calf. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said simply, ‘Good,’ on Monday when asked how Pulisic was doing. Midfielder Tyler Adams added Monday about his teammate, ‘C’mon, Christian will be ready, everyone. Let’s relax.’
Following the Paraguay match, Pulisic said, ‘I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days.’ He added, ‘Just the back of my leg, my calf area. But I’ve had similar things before, and I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.’ ‘He started to feel tight,’ Pochettino said of the decision to take Pulisic out, ‘and we didn’t
want to take any risks.’ Pulisic recorded an assist against Paraguay and was the key player in the setup to an own goal. The 27-year-old AC Milan winger is among the most accomplished players in U.S. men’s national team history. His 33 goals rank fifth all time, and his 21 assists rank fourth. The United States and Australia each won their opening match heading into their showdown on Friday. The U.S. wrap up Group D action against Turkey on June 25 in Inglewood, Calif., the
same day Australia will oppose Paraguay in Santa Clara, Calif. –Field Level Media
Christian Pulisic, USMNT, Australia vs United States, Paraguay, left calf, Mauricio Pochettino, Tyler Adams, Group D, Seattle, Irvine