United States men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter said that he and the team are “hopeful” to have star forward Christian Pulisic back in the lineup for Saturday’s elimination game against the Netherlands.
Speaking to reporters Friday ahead of the round-of-16 match, Berhalter said that Pulisic “looks pretty good” after suffering a pelvic contusion while scoring the USMNT’s lone goal in a 1–0 victory over Iran on Tuesday. According to Henry Bushnell of Yahoo Sports, Berhalter said “we’ll have to see him today on the pitch to get confirmation,” but reiterated that the staff is optimistic about the 24-year-old’s status.
Pulisic collided with Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand when scoring the heroic goal that ultimately sent the U.S. to the round of 16. He appeared to be hit in the groin during the play, but was later given the official diagnosis of a “pelvic contusion.” He did not return to the field after halftime.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Pulisic dispelled the prevailing theory that he’d been hit low during the scoring sequence, explaining that he actually took a knee to the pelvic area. He also maintained that he was “feeling better” and that he was taking the injury “day-by-day.”
“Taking it day-by-day right now, but doing everything in my power to be able to be out there on the field on Saturday,” Pulisic said, per Doug McIntyre of Fox Sports.
Later on Thursday, Pulisic was pictured on the field with his teammates during a training session.
With or without Pulisic, the United States will look to continue its run at the World Cup against the Dutch on Saturday morning. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Fox.
