Why Christian Pulisic isn't playing today: What to know about status for USA vs. Australia

The energy for the United States was through the roof after a 4-1 win over Paraguay in their World Cup opener, but the status of Christian Pulisic has been a concern ever since.

An injury left the U.S. unsure whether its most recognizable player would be on the field for the team's battle with Australia in Seattle, raising concern even after the early win put the Americans in an advantageous position.

The United States will now have to find a way to get a positive result without Pulisic for at least one match.

Here's what you need to know about Pulisic's absence against Australia.

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Why isn't Christian Pulisic playing today?

Pulisic has been dealing with a calf injury that left his status against Australia in doubt. 

The 27-year-old appeared in a pre-practice huddle with a sleeve on his injured calf Thursday, but he did not participate with the rest of the team. After practice, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Pulisic would not play in an interview 90 minutes before the match.

EXCLUSIVE: USA star Christian Pulisic is OUT today with a calf injury against Australia and Ricardo Pepi will get the start, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino tells FOX Sports’ @JennyTaft. pic.twitter.com/ZobSiOfjYx

That's still positive long-term news for the United States, which will finish its group stage slate against Turkey on Thursday, but the team is playing it safe with one of its stars after an excellent result against Paraguay removed some of the desperation for the United States.

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What happened to Christian Pulisic?

Pulisic was subbed off during the United States' win over Paraguay after being kicked in the calf late in the first half.

The USA star was previously kicked in the calf in practice two days earlier, Pochettino said, calling Pulisic's removal "precautionary."

After the win, Pulisic told reporters he hoped the injury was "nothing."

"Just the back of my leg, my calf area," Pulisic said. "But I've had similar things before and I'm staying positive. I don't think it's anything at all."

While it may not be a long-term injury, it isn't nothing. Pulisic will hope to be fully ready to play against Turkey in the group stage finale, though it's possible the United States will go into that match having already won Group D. 

How long is Christian Pulisic out?

Pochettino told reporters Thursday that he expects Pulisic to play against Turkey in the United States' group stage finale. 

That's a positive development for the United States, but it's possible the U.S. may not be playing with any pressure in that match. A win for the U.S. over Australia plus a loss or draw for Turkey against Paraguay would clinch Group D for the Americans and give Pochettino some flexibility to play it safe with Pulisic on Thursday.