.jpg)
2 hours ago
3
The United States is looking at a real Christian Pulisic injury issue.
When he was training individually early in the week ahead of Friday's FIFA World Cup matchup with Australia, it just seemed like a precaution after his calf injury in the opener against Paraguay.
But Pulisic is still not in full training as of Thursday, one day before the USMNT takes on the Socceroos. It's looking less and less likely that Pulisic will be able to feature.
If Pulisic can't start, the United States will lose a massive piece of their playmaking abilities.
They could do a number of different things to replace him in the starting 11, but only a few replacement options really fill the role of a potentially game-breaking playmaker.
MORE: How Cristiano Ronaldo cost Portugal in its draw with DR Congo
Who can start if Christian Pulisic is out?
The United States will have to change the system slightly no matter who starts for Pulisic.
But there are at least three options who at least could fill the roaming, playmaking role to some extent:
- Brendan Aaronson
- The Leeds United midfielder isn't as quick as Pulisic, but he can play inside and outside and has a dangerous final ball.
- Timothy Weah
- More of a true winger, his speed and dribbling can pose similar problems for defenses.
- Gio Reyna
- After a goal as a substitute against Paraguay, Reyna could get into the starting lineup if Pulisic is out.
MORE: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland provide a World Cup day made in heaven
Another potential choice is based in Liga MX in Mexico: Alejandro Zendejas.
The U.S. boss Mauricio Pochettino could also move Weston McKennie around and shuffle another central midfielder into the lineup.
The United States depth is solid, but clearly, something will be lacking without Pulisic.
English (US)