Christian Pulisic Reports Progress on Calf Injury, Aiming for Return Against Turkey
Christian Pulisic has been sidelined since he was substituted at halftime during the victory over Paraguay, where he experienced discomfort in his left calf. He missed the recent 2-0 triumph against Australia, despite expressing optimism about being close to participating in that match.
"I'm feeling good," Pulisic shared with reporters at the U.S. training camp on Wednesday.
"I rejoined the team in the last few days, so I'm feeling upbeat, and I hope to contribute tomorrow."
The injury, according to Pulisic, originated from a significant kick to his calf sustained during training just days before the Paraguay encounter. He reported feeling fine initially, but the discomfort escalated during the first half of that match.
"I can't pinpoint the exact nature of the injury," he admitted when questioned about it.
"I took a heavy kick to the calf a couple of days prior to the game. I felt good throughout the first half, but I started noticing it a bit more. I think adrenaline definitely helped me push through.
"It seems I had a fairly strong contusion or strain—whatever you want to call it. But thankfully, it's been improving a lot."
Pulisic's Frustration at Missing Australia Match
The 27-year-old forward expressed that missing the match against Australia was particularly challenging.
"Honestly, it was tough after the first game, knowing I felt a little something," Pulisic reflected. "I never really feared the worst, but I certainly didn't want it to sideline me longer than necessary."
The United States has already secured its place in the knockout rounds following victories in their initial two matches, rendering Thursday's clash against Turkey at Los Angeles Stadium a mere formality in terms of progression.
"Winning the last game gives you that extra boost going into the next one," he said.
"That winning mentality lingers with you. My teammates have made it so much easier for me by clinching another fantastic win."
