Pulisic Update

Winger Still Training Individually Ahead of Australia Clash

With less than 24 hours to kickoff against Australia, Christian Pulisic's status remains the central question hovering over the USMNT camp in Seattle.

The AC Milan winger first injured his left calf in training before the tournament and aggravated it before he was subbed off at halftime of Friday's 4-1 win over Paraguay. He has yet to return to full training with the group, instead spending the week rehabbing with the team's medical staff. Wednesday marked a small step forward — Pulisic walked to join a pre-warmup huddle before heading into the gym, and later emerged to do light ball work on the field with a trainer. He did not sit. He was not on the main pitch with his teammates. The spokesperson confirmed he didn't take the field at all on Tuesday, making Wednesday's activity an improvement.

Concern is growing. As a point of comparison, defender Chris Richards, who dealt with an ankle issue heading into the tournament, had already returned to full training at this same point in the week before the opener.

Teammates have been measured in their optimism. Antonee Robinson offered a diplomatic read when asked about the situation: "We've still got a couple of days to see where he is at. Thankfully, we've got a lot of boys on the bench eager and ready to get involved."

If Pulisic can't go, Mauricio Pochettino's most likely options include Giovanni Reyna, Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson and Alejandro Zendejas — each capable, none a true like-for-like replacement for the team's best player.