IRVINE, Calif. — Nursing a calf injury that forced him from the U.S. World Cup opener Friday, Christian Pulisic worked on the side instead of joining his teammates for the start of training Monday.
U.S. Soccer Federation spokesman Michael Kammarman said Pulisic was doing a “modified training session [and] gym and individual field work.”
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With four days until the U.S. faces Australia in Seattle — a meeting of Group D’s undefeated teams — the Americans got back to work at Great Park after an off-day Sunday. As customary, reporters were permitted to watch the first stage of training before being escorted back to the media center.
While his teammates went through standard exercises and ballwork, Pulisic was in a tented gym adjacent to the field using a full-body workout bike.
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He was not made available for comment. In a casual field-size exchange with reporters, coach Mauricio Pochettino said Pulisic was “good.”
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Pulisic was in terrific form in the first half of the 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the group opener at SoFi Stadium but did not return after halftime. He had initially suffered the ailment in training last week.
After the match, both Pulisic and Pochettino played down the severity.
“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I’m really hoping it’s nothing, taking a little bit of precaution, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine in the next few days,” Pulisic said. “But I’ve had similar things before, and I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything.”
The Americans’ three-goal halftime lead also seemed to play into the decision to remove him in favor of Sebastian Berhalter.
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“Everyone, let’s relax,” midfielder Tyler Adams said Monday. “I think he picked up a knock a few days before the game and got kicked in the same spot again during the game. When you go into halftime, things obviously get tight, but he’ll be fine.”
Forward Haji Wright added, “He’s doing well. I don’t think it’s anything too serious.”
