Christian Pulisic has taken another step towards his return for Chelsea despite playing no part in the 2-0 loss to Tottenham on Sunday. The American has yet to feature in a game since being taken off injured against Manchester City on January 5.
The run of eight league appearances in a row was his joint longest consecutive streak since December 2020. Although he only got one goal contribution in that time - playing as part of a team without any visible identity - it was a step forward individually. That has all-but-vanished now.
The 24-year-old is competing with a host of new, young wingers and attackers around him and will face even more competition to get back into the team when he's fit. Returning to the pitch is the first step in what may prove to be his last period at the club and he is edging closer to just that.
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Along with a set of other injured players including N'Golo Kante, the group of squad members that didn't feature against Tottenham or were late substitutes, were involved in training on Monday. The Blues don't play again until Saturday, a home match against historic rivals Leeds.
That game is likely to come too soon for Pulisic, who Potter explained before the game was making progress in regaining fitness, but the USMNT star has been seen in training in the build up. It's not the first time Pulisic has been outside on the grass after he posted an image with Mason Mount at Cobham last week but it is certainly a move towards competitive action.
Gregg Berhalter will be hoping that he can build up match sharpness over the next month with his side back in action in March as well for their CONCACAF Nations League campaign. As for the player, the international break will allow him time to find some form - as he so often does for his country - and also make plans for the future.
Had Pulisic not been injured during January he was one of the many Chelsea players available to leave the club if the right offer came in. Hakim Ziyech nearly had a late window move to Paris Saint-Germain materialise whilst Manchester United and AC Milan linger in the background as potential destinations for Pulisic still.
His contract is due to expire in 2024 with no expectation that he extends that deal. As Todd Boehly has already proven with his staunch position on Mount's own situation, Pulisic will face an ultimatum of committing to Chelsea or being sold. The quicker he can get back to being on the pitch then the sooner he will be able to impress potential suitors.
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