SEATTLE — American soccer standout Christian Pulisic has been ruled out of Friday’s World Cup showdown against Australia after suffering a calf injury, with Ricardo Pepi stepping into his spot in the starting lineup.
U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino broke the news during a Fox interview roughly 90 minutes before kickoff at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The absence is a blow to the American squad, which is coming off a strong 4-1 opening win over Paraguay on June 12. A victory Friday would secure the team’s spot in the round of 32.
Pulisic played only the first half of the Paraguay match before exiting at halftime. During his time on the field, he was instrumental in the team’s early success — splitting two defenders to set up the first goal with a pass to Weston McKennie, then creating the second goal for Folarin Balogun.
Pochettino explained that the 27-year-old forward was struck in the back of his left calf during a training session before the Australia game and began feeling tightness during the Paraguay match.
In the days leading up to Friday’s contest, Pulisic worked out separately from the rest of the team.
The veteran attacker has recorded 33 goals across 87 appearances for the national team throughout his international career.
Pepi was the sole change made to the U.S. starting lineup for the Australia match.
