Christian Pulisic was forced off at halftime in USA’s World Cup opener due to a calf problem, Mauricio Pochettino has revealed in a worrying injury update.
On an otherwise joyous night for the co-hosts, who kicked off their World Cup campaign in style with a resounding 4-1 win over Paraguay, Pulisic departed at the break after helping America storm into a three-goal lead.
With the win seemingly in the bag, Pochettino initially appeared to be giving his star player an early rest.
However, after the victory the USMNT coach told Fox that the decision to replace Pulisic was actually injury related.
Pochettino explained that the AC Milan forward took a kick to the calf and felt some discomfort, before admitting: ‘We didn’t want to take any risks.’
‘I’m really hoping it’s nothing,’ Pulisic told reporters after the game. ‘I’m taking a little bit of precaution today but I’m hoping I’ll be fine.’
More to follow.
Christian Pulisic was forced off at halftime in USA’s World Cup opener due to a calf problem
The AC Milan forward took a kick to the calf and felt discomfort in the first half of USA’s 4-1 win
