USA fans received an anxious update on Christian Pulisic ahead of the team’s next FIFA World Cup match. The USMNT captain trained separately from the main squad on Monday, just days before a major Group D clash against Australia in Seattle. The sight of Pulisic working away from his teammates quickly raised questions about his fitness after he picked up a knock during the United States’ 4-1 win over Paraguay.
The concern comes at an important moment for the Americans. A victory over Australia on Friday could put Mauricio Pochettino’s side in a strong position to finish at the top of Group D and secure a better path in the knockout rounds. While Pulisic’s individual training session worried supporters, both his teammates and coaching staff appeared calm about the situation. The 27-year-old remains the key figure in the US attack, and there is growing confidence that he will be available when the team returns to action.
Christian Pulisic trains separately but USMNT remains confident ahead of Australia showdown
The injury scare began during the Paraguay game at SoFi Stadium. Pulisic played a major role in the first-half performance before being substituted at halftime after taking a kick to the back of his left leg.
The AC Milan winger appeared uncomfortable while leaving the field. Reports said he had also taken a knock to a similar area during training earlier in the week. After the match, Pulisic tried to ease concerns by saying he hoped the issue was “nothing.”
On Monday, the United States held its first open training session since beating Paraguay. Instead of joining the full group, Pulisic spent part of the day in the gym and on a separate training field under what the team described as a modified program.
Despite the images causing concern among fans, midfielder Tyler Adams quickly played down fears about the situation.
“Christian will be ready,” Adams told reporters before training. “Everyone, let’s relax.”
Pulisic’s importance to the team was clear in the opening match. He helped create the own goal that gave the United States an early advantage and later delivered the cross that led to the first of Folarin Balogun’s two goals.
For now, Pulisic appears to be the only major injury concern in the squad. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter also had a brief scare during Monday’s session after colliding with goalkeeper Matt Freese. However, Berhalter got back on his feet after a short delay and continued training without any visible problems.
The United States and Australia both opened their World Cup campaigns with victories, setting up a potentially decisive meeting in Seattle on Friday.
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