While the hype for the U.S. men’s national team is reaching a fever pitch in the World Cup, one question has defined the buildup to the nation’s second Group D match against Australia.
Will Christian Pulisic play?
According to Mauricio Pochettino on the Fox World Cup pre-game show, Pulisic is unavailable against Australia.
“Christian is not available. The evolution is really well. Today was training in the morning in the training camp. I think the feelings are good. Let’s hope as soon as possible, he can be ready to be selected again and to be part of the team. Now we need to be focused in our team and the players that are going to play. We have ahead a very important game, Australia is going to be really tough,” Pochettino told Jenny Taft. “Of course, a little bit sad, he (Pulisic) wanted to stay. He wanted to participate today, but it’s still so early.”
Watch the World Cup on Fubo (free trial)
The star winger dazzled in the USMNT’s 4-1 win over Paraguay, providing an assist and posing a constant threat to the Paraguayan defense with his direct dribbling. However, Pulisic was subbed off at halftime with a calf injury and was limited in training ahead of the Americans’ second group-stage game, doing gym work and wearing a calf sleeve during individual drills with the coaching staff.
Ricardo Pepi will start for the USMNT, replacing Pulisic.
It put his status in doubt, and USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino told reporters during Thursday’s pre-match press conference that his star is “Much better from Friday,” but never committed to his availability.
Said Pochettino: “He’s evolving. He’s much better from Friday. We will see. If he is not available for tomorrow, he will be available for the next game.”
Pulisic will be unavailable for the clash at the top of Group D, with a potential winner set to take control of the group and book a spot in the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Group D standings
Here’s how the Group D standings look after one match has been played (goal differential in parentheses:)
World Cup weather update: Forecast for USA vs Australia
AccuWeather predicts 72 degrees with mostly sunny skies at kickoff in Seattle, with a 1% chance of rain. Portions of the playing surface is covered by a roof.
World Cup schedule
Here’s a look at the Group D matches for the U.S. soccer team. All of the USA’s games will be broadcast in English on Fox and in Spanish on Telemundo. All times Eastern.
And here are the Group D matches for Australia.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Will Christian Pulisic play today? Injury update for USMNT World Cup star
Reporting by Liam Rooney, Tallahassee Democrat / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Liam Rooney, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
