The latest injury news surrounding USMNT star Christian Pulisic not what USMNT fans wanted, as the star will not play in their second Group D game against Australia in Seattle on Friday.
Pulisic, 27, was superb in the first half of the USA’s 4-1 win against Paraguay in Los Angeles last Friday, as he grabbed an assist and played a big part in them leading 3-0 at half time.
But Pulisic, who has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, didn’t return for the second half and was subbed off at half time due to a calf issue after a kick.
Latest Christian Pulisic injury news, update
Christian Pulisic is out injured and will not play against Australia, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed.
Speaking to Fox Sports in Seattle before the game, Pochettino confirmed that Pulisic will not feature in the USA’s second group stage game in Seattle.
EXCLUSIVE: USA star Christian Pulisic is OUT today with a calf injury against Australia and Ricardo Pepi will get the start, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino tells FOX Sports’ @JennyTaft. pic.twitter.com/ZobSiOfjYx
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
Pulisic wasn’t present in the full team training session all week leading up to the game against Australia.
The U.S. Soccer Federation said that Pulisic is set for a “modified training session with gym and individual field work.” Pulisic was shown training on the pitch on his own and in the gym while wearing a compression sleeve on his left lower leg.
Mauricio Pochettino simply said the following when asked about Pulisic in his press conference ahead of the game against Australia.
“We’ll see. If he’s not available for the game tomorrow he will be available for the next game. But I think he’s doing a massive effort trying to be ready,” Pochettino said. “When this type of thing happens always it’s painful. But I think Christian is strong and with great mentality and he’s doing a fantastic effort to try and be ready as soon as possible.”
Patience is key for Pulisic and USMNT
It seems like Pochettino and everyone connected with the USMNT are being extremely cautious with Pulisic and given the excellent win against Paraguay, that is exactly the right way to approach this.
That win has set up the USA to have a very good chance of advancing out of Group D, so there is absolutely no need to force Pulisic to rush back.
Right now the USMNT has handled this perfectly. There is no need at all to risk Pulisic.
As he proved with his first half display on Friday, Pulisic is way too important to their chances of going on a deep run this summer.
If he’s not fit to start against Australia, why risk it? This is the correct call.
