Christian Pulisic’s Calf Injury Won’t Keep Him Out of USA vs. Australia

The USMNT has a chance to do something they’ve never done before: win both of their first two World Cup group stage matches. Standing in the way is Australia, who knocked off Turkey 2-0 in their opener and look nothing like the pushover some expected.

Mauricio Pochettino’s squad just dropped four goals on Paraguay. That was a program record for a World Cup game. The energy around this team feels different. But there’s been a cloud hanging over the buildup to this one.

Christian Pulisic has been dealing with a calf issue. The team hasn’t said much about it publicly, which always makes people nervous. But according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Pulisic will play against Australia on Saturday. He’s good to go.

What happens if Pulisic can’t go the full 90

The USMNT has a plan in case Pulisic needs to sit this one out. Enzo Flojo of ClutchPoints reported that Pochettino has several tactical options if his star attacker isn’t available. Tim Weah could step in, bringing that explosive pace and vertical running that stretches defenses thin. Or Brenden Aaronson could get the nod, offering relentless pressing and energy that makes life miserable for opposing backlines.

Both options are fine. But neither is Pulisic. That’s the thing. He’s the guy who makes everyone around him better, the one opponents have to game-plan around. Australia will have their hands full regardless, but getting the best version of the USMNT means having number 10 on the field.

Biggest test yet for this group

The atmosphere in Seattle should be something else. Sunny day, huge crowd, both teams with momentum. The USMNT has never scored four goals in a World Cup match before last Friday. Now people are starting to believe this team might actually be for real. A win here would put them in position to top the group and avoid some serious heavyweights in the knockout rounds.

Lineups drop around 2 ET, roughly an hour before kickoff. Based on what we’re hearing, Pulisic’s name will be on that sheet. The calf will be something to monitor as the game goes on. But for now, the USMNT gets their best player for their biggest game.