Christian Pulisic Limited in USMNT Training Due to Calf Injury
U.S. Men's National Team star Christian Pulisic participated in a modified training session on Monday, working on the side rather than joining his teammates. He is managing a calf injury that led to his removal from the U.S. World Cup opener on Friday. The injury was initially sustained last week and was aggravated during the match against Paraguay.
IRVINE, Calif. — Christian Pulisic, a key player for the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT), was observed in a modified training session on Monday, focusing on individual work due to a calf injury. This limited participation follows an injury that forced him to exit the U.S. World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday.
According to U.S. Soccer Federation spokesman Michael Kammarman, Pulisic was undertaking "modified training session [and] gym and individual field work." During the initial stage of training, while his teammates engaged in standard exercises, Pulisic utilized a full-body workout bike in a tented gym adjacent to the field.
The ailment, which Pulisic initially sustained in training the previous week, was aggravated during the first half of the 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium. He did not return to the field after halftime. Following the match, both Pulisic and coach Mauricio Pochettino downplayed the severity of the injury.
Pochettino briefly commented that Pulisic was "good." Midfielder Tyler Adams also expressed optimism, stating, "I think he picked up a knock a few days before the game and got kicked in the same spot again during the game. When you go into halftime, things obviously get tight, but he'll be fine." Forward Haji Wright added, "He's doing well. I don't think it's anything too serious."
The USMNT is preparing to face Australia in Seattle, a match between Group D's undefeated teams, with four days remaining until the encounter. The team returned to Great Park for training after an off-day on Sunday.
(Source: Yahoo Sports Soccer)
