Pulisic calf injury clouds USA's Australia clash
Pulisic a doubt for Australia
Christian Pulisic is racing a calf problem ahead of Friday's Group D match against Australia (1) (2). Brenden Aaronson laid it out plainly to reporters: "We're really hoping Christian is going to be back for the game, of course. I don't really know what is going on in particular, but we know that he is going to give us his all to get back into the team and be there for the game" (1) (2). Aaronson is the likeliest replacement if Pulisic cannot go (3).
The opener: USA 4–1 Paraguay
Folarin Balogun scored twice as your team dismantled Paraguay in the Group D opener (1) (3). Pulisic was on the pitch for that one, and the attack clicked. That result put the USMNT in control of the group early.
Australia arrive with a clean sheet
Australia beat Turkiye 2–0 in their opener (1). No goals conceded, three points banked. They sit level with the USA at the top of Group D, and that defence will be a step up from what Paraguay offered.
Sources
- 1. soccernews.com — Pulisic will ‘give USA his all’ to be fit for Australia, says Aaronson
- 2. cbssports.com — USMNT's Brenden Aaronson 'always ready to start games' as Christian Pulisic's status remains uncertain
- 3. theguardian.com — A mercurial talent to a workhorse: who should replace Christian Pulisic if he misses the Australia game?