You could tell by the devastated look on Christian Pulisic's face as he was limping off the Stamford Bridge pitch – he knew just how big of a blow it was for him on a personal level.
For a man who has fought so hard to get himself back in the first-team picture at Chelsea, to pick up an injury in a game that was his third successive start in the Premier League, it must be very damaging mentally. Pulisic was replaced midway through the first half in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Thursday evening and he looked as if he was crying as he left the pitch.
A superb last-ditch tackle from City defender John Stones unintentionally injured Pulisic and despite his best efforts, he was unable to continue. It's yet to be confirmed, but the American could be set for a spell on the sidelines with the problem – adding to Chelsea's ever-growing list of injuries.
READ MORE: Benoit Badiashile breaks silence on Chelsea transfer and shows admiration for 'legend' teammate
For Pulisic, personally, it is a huge blow. This second half of the season was set to be a massive one for him and one that would potentially define his Chelsea career.
The USA international has less than 18 months remaining on his existing contract at Stamford Bridge and the summer transfer window in a few months' time could prove crucial to whether or not he stays or leaves the club he has represented since 2019. Between now and the end of the season was supposed to be a chance for the 24-year-old winger to prove his worth to the Blues.
That has been massively dented now, however, with the former Borussia Dortmund man set for a spell on the sidelines as he recovers from injury. He wasn't exactly tearing defences apart in the three games since the World Cup break, but there was definitely an improvement and it was encouraging to see.
It looked as if it was perhaps the beginning of a turnaround of his Chelsea career with loads of speculation over his future with the club. Last summer, Pulisic was looking to leave under Thomas Tuchel and the previous ownership, with links all over Europe but a move never materialised.
Pulisic, though, has made it clear since that he is excited to work under Chelsea's new ownership with fellow American Todd Boehly now in charge.
Speaking last summer, he said: "At the end of the season, we were able to meet with them and they were around the club a lot. They are really good people so I'm excited moving forward."
This doesn't mean Pulisic's future is resolved and he is definitely going to stay at Chelsea, but he would have been encouraged over the past few weeks. Three starts on the bounce is a really rare feat for him and it makes this untimely injury even more infuriating for him.
READ NEXT:
Todd Boehly must avoid Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer mistake as Chelsea face Enzo Fernandez reality
Todd Boehly takes £200m Chelsea transfer risk with Benoit Badiashile deal as new ethos continues
