Christian Pulisic will miss the USMNT’s clash against Japan due to injury, U.S. Soccer has confirmed.
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Pulisic, 24, was scheduled to be a key man (as always) for the USMNT in their final two friendlies before the World Cup kicks off in November.
However, a statement was released by U.S. Soccer after Pulisic was left out of the starting lineup for the friendly against Japan in Dusseldorf, Germany.
It has since been revealed that Pulisic suffered a knock in training early this week and has been left out as a precaution.
Statement on Pulisic
“Christian Pulisic is off today’s roster because of a knock he took in training earlier this week. He will be evaluated day-to-day for his availability to play against Saudi Arabia on Sept. 27 in Murcia, Spain,” U.S. Soccer said.
So, Pulisic could miss the game against Saudi Arabia as well.
This is not great news for Gregg Berhalter who will have wanted his best starting lineup together for these final two friendlies.
With Zack Steffen, Yunus Musah, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Tim Weah and now Pulisic all going down with injuries, this isn’t the best preparation possible.
However, it does provide opportunities for others.
The latest update
Berhalter spoke to ESPN before kick off and Jon Champion and Taylor Twellman revealed that if Pulisic had this knock during the World Cup, he would be patched up to play in the game. So it isn’t that serious.
“He took a knock in training. We spoke with the club and it is precautionary,” Berhalter said. “He is day to day and hopefully he can take part on Tuesday [vs Saudi Arabia].”
Pulisic and all USMNT fans will be hoping that this small issue won’t impact the Chelsea winger at all ahead of the World Cup which kicks off in less than 60 days.
That said, his issues with injuries continue to concern USMNT fans as he just can’t seem to stay fit for an extended period of time.