Christian Pulisic has confirmed he is back fit and raring to take his place alongside the other superstars lighting up this World Cup.
The winger, who is the face of Mauricio Pochettino’s team, also insists that the US does not need a ‘miracle’ to go deep into this tournament.
Pulisic missed America’s win over Australia – which sealed the USMNT’s place in the knockout rounds – after suffering an issue with his calf.
But he has recovered in time for Thursday’s final group game against Turkey, with Pulisic hoping to play some part at SoFi Stadium.
Pochettino must decide whether to stick with the players who have secured two wins from two or rest his big guns for the knockout rounds.
Pulisic was not even fit enough for the bench against Australia, having come off at halftime of the USA’s World Cup opener against Paraguay. He received a kick to the back of his left leg that left him struggling to walk
Christian Pulisic is back and raring to join the other superstars lighting up this World Cup
Pulisic missed the USA’s win over Australia which sealed their place in the knockout rounds
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is among the superstars who have been in the goals so far
On Wednesday, the 27-year-old, who returned to full training earlier this week, spoke publicly for the first time about his injury struggles – and the challenge of matching the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
‘I’m feeling good,’ he said. ‘I’m hoping to play a part in tomorrow… obviously [there is] not a good chance I’ll probably play 90 minutes right away – after you come back and miss a game – but we’ll see.’
Pulisic was sensational in the opening 45 minutes against Paraguay, helping create two of the USA’s three first-half goals.
And over the opening two rounds of the World Cup, many of the world’s top players have shone – including Messi, Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Between them, they have scored a combined 13 goals. Pulisic will hope to open his account against Turkey, who are already eliminated from the tournament.
‘Of course, I can appreciate when the best are doing what they do,’ he said. ‘And it definitely motivates me that much more to want to get out there and do my thing.’
Pochettino has worked tirelessly to instil belief in his players that they can win this World Cup and, on Wednesday, Pulisic echoed his manager’s thoughts.
‘I just always believe that anything’s possible,’ he said. ‘And I don’t feel like we necessarily need some miracle to go far in the World Cup. I think we have a really good team. I think we can do it. Things have to go your way – just like for everyone – and I just always feel like believing is better than not.’
