Christian Pulisic may have been taken to the hospital for scans of his abdominal injury in the U.S.’s 1–0 win over Iran, but the forward left little doubt about his playing status for Saturday.
USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie revealed Tuesday that when he texted the star forward to see how he was doing, Pulisic responded, “Best believe I’ll be ready on Saturday.” The U.S. is set to play the Netherlands on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET in the round of 16 after Pulisic’s first-ever World Cup goal gave the U.S. the advantage in the victory.
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The Chelsea winger saved the U.S. men’s national team’s World Cup dreams when he found the back of the net during the first half. But the celebration was short-lived as Pulisic collided with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. He writhed on the ground inside the goal in apparent pain as several of his teammates came to his side.
Although the trainers treated him and he went to the sideline, Pulisic returned near the end of the first half. However, the U.S. decided to sideline him for the second period, sending in Brenden Aaronson instead.
The team later announced Pulisic was considered day-to-day after being diagnosed with a pelvic contusion. Sports Illustrated‘s Brian Straus reported the star forward returned to the team hotel before his other teammates arrived back from the win. Though Pulisic clearly wants to be on the field, it will be up to coach Gregg Berhalter and his staff to figure out if he’s fit for the round of 16 showdown.
