06/17/26 02:48:00
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06/17 14:46 CDT Christian Pulisic still training separately, increasing concern
for the US at the World Cup
Christian Pulisic still training separately, increasing concern for the US at
the World Cup
By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
IRVINE, Calif. (AP) --- Christian Pulisic trained apart from his U.S. teammates
on Wednesday for the third straight day because of his calf injury, increasing
concerns about his availability to face Australia on Friday in the Americans'
second game of the World Cup.
Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' 4-1 victory over Paraguay
last week, but came off at halftime after feeling stiffness from a calf injury
incurred in training. He hasn't worked out with his teammates this week at
their training base in Orange County, instead doing individual work largely in
the gym.
Pulisic didn't work out on the grass at all Tuesday, but the AC Milan attacker
took the field at Great Park with trainers and did ball drills on Wednesday. He
tested out his left leg while wearing a compression sleeve on his calf during
the 15 minutes of practice open to media.
"We're really hoping that Christian is going to be back for the game, of
course," said Brenden Aaronson, one of Pulisic's potential replacements. "I
don't really know what's going on in particular, but we know that he's going to
give us his all to get back in the team and be there for the game, so we'll
see. We're really excited to see what the deal is."
Pulisic is the U.S. team's most accomplished player and the lynchpin of their
offensive attack. His playmaking and ball skills down the left side led
directly to Paraguay's own-goal in the opening minutes last Friday, and he
added an assist on Folarin Balogun's first goal.
His absence could hinder a team coming off its nation's highest-scoring World
Cup performance with a wave of momentum early in its home World Cup. But
Pulisic's teammates are confident he'll do everything possible to play --- and
they also feel the team's depth could sustain them in this potentially physical
matchup with the Socceroos in Seattle.
"We've still got a couple of days to see where he's at," U.S. left back Antonee
Robinson said. "Thankfully we've got a lot of boys on the bench who are eager
to get involved with helping the team with a lot of quality. It's a long
tournament. If we don't have (Pulisic) for the game, then we need to make sure
we have him for the rest of the way, because we're going to need him. We're
going to need everyone. But hopefully we have him (Friday)."
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino would have several capable options as a
replacement for Pulisic, although none has the star's resume. Starting
midfielder Weston McKennie, who had an outstanding game against Paraguay, could
ramp up his responsibility as well.
The top two options appear to be Aaronson, a solid Premier League winger who
had four goals and five assists for Leeds last season, and Marseilles forward
Tim Weah, who can impact a game with his speed on either wing.
Both players are hoping Pulisic will be healthy enough to keep his place in the
lineup, however.
"Christian, for me, is one of the top five wingers in the world," Weah said.
"He's one of my favorite players to watch. Being able to play alongside him for
a long time has been amazing. Just the little things that he does, he's such a
humble player. I think you get caught up in a lot of the noise, but Christian
is amazing. He showed it against Paraguay. His ability when he's able to be on
the ball is amazing. It helps the team. I'm super proud of him. Hopefully he'll
be ready for Friday."
Pochettino's other options for offense include Gio Reyna, who scored the
Americans' final goal against Paraguay and has provided moments of dynamic
playmaking from the wing for the U.S.
Sebastian Berhalter came on at halftime for Pulisic in the opener, while
starting midfielder Malik Tillman raised his already impressive game in
Pulisic's absence.
"I felt like we were still threatening, still creating chances (in the second
half)," Robinson said. "We just didn't convert them going forward in the game
until Gio scored at the end. Like I said, a lot of people are ready to step in."
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup
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