USMNT Star Christian Pulisic Set to Shine Against Australia in Crucial Friendly Match – The Athletic
U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) star Christian Pulisic is set to play in a friendly match against Australia in Commerce City, Colorado. Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan in Serie A, trained on Monday and is expected to be available for selection after overcoming a recent ankle issue.
Match Details
The friendly against Australia is taking place on Tuesday. The USMNT aims to showcase its skills following a 1-1 draw with Ecuador last Friday. Pulisic, who scored six goals and provided two assists for his club this season, previously entered the Ecuador match as a substitute in the 73rd minute.
Pulisic’s Injury Status
- Christian Pulisic participated in Monday’s training.
- He experienced swelling in his ankle but has responded well.
- Coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Pulisic’s training was successful and he could play against Australia.
Unavailable Players
While Pulisic is likely to feature in the match, left back Antonee Robinson will miss the game. Robinson has been dealing with a knee injury that required surgery. He did not participate in training sessions and is not expected to play.
- Antonee Robinson will not be part of the match squad.
- Alejandro Zendejas has left the camp due to a knee injury.
Training Conditions
The USMNT held its training session in cold, windy conditions, a stark contrast to their previous game in Austin, Texas. Pochettino acknowledged that adapting to the new weather is crucial for the players.
He mentioned, “We need to pay attention to the transition from Austin to Denver. The conditions are completely different. Some players are fatigued, so we must manage their conditions carefully.” This implies potential lineup changes for the upcoming match.
Strategic Changes Anticipated
Pochettino hinted at making adjustments to the team’s lineup and tactics for the friendly encounter. “For sure, there are going to be changes, and maybe change the shape,” he stated, emphasizing the opportunity to explore different approaches in gameplay.
As the USMNT prepares for this crucial friendly against Australia, Pulisic’s involvement will be key in demonstrating their growth and adaptability on the international stage.
