Pulisic misses third straight USA training session ahead of must-watch Australia clash

Christian Pulisic has not trained fully with the United States men’s national team for a third straight day, leaving his fitness for Friday’s World Cup Group D clash against Australia in Seattle in significant doubt.

The AC Milan forward left the USA’s 4-1 opening victory over Paraguay last Friday at halftime after being kicked in the back of his left leg. He was seen working through light passing drills with team trainers on Wednesday, wearing what appeared to be a black compression sleeve around his left calf, while his teammates completed a full session nearby.

U.S. Soccer has described Pulisic’s status as “modified training” and “day-to-day.” Manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to address the situation at his press conference on Thursday, though his availability will likely only become clear when lineups are released roughly an hour before kickoff on Friday.

“We’re really hoping that Christian’s gonna be back for the game,” attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s session. “I don’t really know what’s going on in particular, but we know that he’s gonna give us his all to get back into the team and be there for the game. So we’ll see.”

Pulisic was central to the USA’s fast start against Paraguay, contributing to the team’s first two goals before his injury forced him off. Speaking after the match, he was measured about the knock. “I’m really hoping that it’s nothing,” he said.

Fullback Antonee Robinson, who operates down the left alongside Pulisic, acknowledged the uncertainty while pointing to the squad’s depth. “We’ve still got a couple of days to see where he’s at and, thankfully, we’ve got a lot of boys on the bench who are eager and ready to get involved in helping the team and a lot of quality,” Robinson said.

Should Pulisic be ruled out, Pochettino has options. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter stepped in for the second half against Paraguay and could feature again, while Brenden Aaronson, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, and Christian Roldan — who plays his club football for Seattle Sounders and would be performing in front of a home crowd — are all candidates to fill the void.

None of them, however, carry the same weight. The USA and Australia are level on three points at the top of Group D, with the Americans holding a slight advantage on goal differential, meaning Friday’s result could go a long way toward determining who tops the group.