Christian Pulisic said he is positive about his recovery from a calf injury and hopes to play a role in the United States’ final World Cup group match against Turkey on Thursday, although his availability remains uncertain.
Pulisic has not played since being substituted at half-time in the win over Paraguay after feeling discomfort in his left calf. He missed Friday’s 2-0 win over Australia, despite saying he almost came into action in that match.
“I feel good,” Pulisic told reporters at the US training camp on Wednesday.
“I joined the team in the last few days, so I feel good and positive, and hopefully I can play a role tomorrow.”
Pulisic said the injury was the result of a heavy kick to the calf he received during training a few days before the match in Paraguay. He said he felt fine early in the match before the problem worsened in the first half.
“I don’t even know exactly,” he said when asked about the exact nature of the injury.
«A few days before the match I gave a good kick to my calf. During the first half I felt good and then I started to notice it a bit. I think the adrenaline definitely helped me through it.»
«I think I had a pretty bad bruise and strain, whatever you want to call it. But again, it’s been a lot better.»
PULISIC CLOSE TO PLAYING IN THE AUSTRALIA MATCH
The 27-year-old forward said sitting out the match against Australia had been difficult.
“Honestly, it was hard after the first match, just because I knew I felt something,” Pulisic said. “I never really feared the worst, but I obviously didn’t want to be left out any longer than necessary.”
The United States secured qualification for the knockout rounds after winning its first two matches, making Thursday’s match against Turkey at the Los Angeles Stadium a dead rubber in terms of progress.
“If you win your last match, you go to the next one with that little bit of extra good feeling,” he said.
«That feeling of winning mentality stays with you. My teammates made it so much easier for me because they achieved another incredible victory.»
Published on June 25, 2026
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