Christian Pulisic has been excluded from the United States squad for their World Cup match against Australia today because of an injury. The US began their World Cup campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay last Saturday. Mauricio Pochettino's team tops Group D and can secure a spot in the knockout stages with a win against Australia today.
However, the tournament co-hosts received a setback before kick-off when it was announced that star player Pulisic would not be part of the matchday squad due to a lingering calf injury. Pulisic started the US's opening game, assisting Folarin Balogun's first goal in a strong first-half performance from the AC Milan winger. But the 27-year-old was substituted at halftime because of the calf issue and has since undergone modified training sessions away from his teammates.
The US medical staff decided not to take any risks with Pulisic, resting him for the second group match. Ricardo Pepi replaces him in the starting lineup.
USA vs Australia team news
USA starting XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, Pepi, McKennie; Balogun.
Australia starting XI: Beach; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; Leckie, O'Neill, Okon-Engstler, Velupillay; Toure.
Speaking on Thursday about Pulisic's condition, Pochettino said: 'He's evolving and much better from Friday. We will see. If we see he's not available for tomorrow, he will be available for the next game. When this type of thing happens, always it's painful. Christian is strong and with a great mentality. He's doing a fantastic effort to try and be ready as soon as possible.'
Pulisic is expected to return for the US's final group stage match against Turkey on Thursday, June 25 in California.
