Pochettino sweating on Pulisic fitness after USA’s flying World Cup start
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino is anxiously awaiting an update on the fitness of Christian Pulisic, after the winger was substituted at halftime during his side’s convincing 4-1 World Cup opening victory over Paraguay.
Pulisic described the substitution as a precautionary measure after feeling a strain in his calf muscle. With the USMNT already holding a commanding 3-0 lead at the break, the coaching staff opted to eliminate any risk by sending Sebastian Berhalter onto the pitch for the second half.
The injury will be closely monitored over the coming days as the United States prepares to face Australia in Seattle on June 19. The expanded tournament schedule heavily favors the co-hosts, offering a full week between their first two Group D fixtures to aid the talisman’s recovery.
”He also suffered an injury in training before the game, so we’re hoping it’s nothing serious. He couldn’t walk by the end of the first half,” Pochettino told The Athletic. “We hope he’ll be available for the next game.”
Pulisic’s durability remains a point of focus, having struggled with calf and muscle issues throughout the 2024-25 season, alongside minor strains the previous year that led to several brief spells on the sidelines. Nevertheless, the camp remains highly optimistic about a swift return to full fitness.
Beyond the injury concern, Pochettino was full of praise for the collective spirit of his squad. “The players deserve huge praise. It’s not about the names, it’s about the team. The team was incredible,” the manager said.
When pressed to highlight individual standouts from the dominant display, he firmly redirected the spotlight onto the collective effort. “You want to make me talk about names, but it was a collective performance. The team effort and approach stood out today.”
The manager also expressed his immense gratitude for the electric environment created by the home crowd in Los Angeles. “The fans were incredible. On behalf of the whole team, thank you very much. The energy came through, it was fantastic. I’m very proud, we’re all very proud. I think we’re bringing new fans to the sport here in America.”
