Mauricio Pochettino has moved to allay concerns over Christian Pulisic’s fitness as the US prepare for their World Cup clash with Australia on Friday.
Pulisic was brilliant in the opening half of the US’s 4-1 win over Paraguay last week. He was taken off at half-time but insisted he was not carrying a serious injury.
“I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days,” he said after the match.
On Monday, Pulisic practiced away from the rest of his teammates in what US Soccer called a “modified training session [and] gym and individual field work.” Pochettino gave a brief assessment when asked about the 27-year-old’s fitness. “Good,” the US coach said.
Midfielder Tyler Adams was also upbeat about Pulisic’s chances of starting on Friday, although he was more forthcoming than his coach.
“Christian will be ready, everyone. Let’s relax,” Adams said. “I think that he picked up a knock a few days before the game, and I think he got kicked in the same spot again during the game. And when you go in at half-time, things obviously get tight within the 15, 20 minute break. But he’ll be fine.”
Australia and the US started their World Cup campaigns with wins – the Socceroos beat Turkey 2-0 – and Friday’s game could decide who wins their group.
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