SAN JOSE, Calif. — Pulisic’s Injury Concerns Less in Focus

As the U.S. National Team prepares for their Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Pulisic’s left calf issue seems to have taken a back seat in conversations.

However, it’s important to note that Pulisic hasn’t completed a full 90 minutes in over three months. If the match extends into overtime, they could be looking at playing up to 120 minutes—something he hasn’t done since the Nations League against Jamaica on March 21, 2024.

“I feel ready,” he mentioned, responding to questions about his fitness for the game.

How Mauricio Pochettino decides to manage his star players will likely be crucial in this match.

It’s not lost on anyone that Pulisic, who appeared for just 32 minutes in the last group stage game against Turkey, is a significant asset for the USMNT.

His presence in an exhibition game notably shifted the atmosphere. He has the ability to draw attention and tear through defenses. When he’s on the ball, the crowd reacts with excitement. But, it’s worth acknowledging that even the fittest athletes can struggle in extra time.

Given the circumstances, it’s vital for Pulisic to remain fit, particularly since Pochettino might rely on him to take penalties if the game reaches that point.

Pulisic expressed confidence, saying, “I felt great in the last game against Türkiye. I’ve been feeling good this week. I’m sure I’ll be ready tomorrow.”

In another discussion, Bosnia coach Sergei Barbares addressed a recent comment from ABC7 Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez, who humorously admitted she couldn’t locate Bosnia on a map. He attributed such incidents to modern culture, stating, “This is a consequence of today’s culture—social media and everything. It happens. We’re a small country, so things like that occasionally arise.”

Pulisic shared his thoughts about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is currently an analyst with Fox. “I think he’s a cheerful person, which is a common sentiment. Having worked with him, I can say he’s a really good guy. It’s great to see him doing well.”

Pochettino provided updates on player conditions: Auston Trusty (ankle) participated fully in Tuesday’s training and should be available for the match on Wednesday. Cristian Roldan (quadriceps strain) continued with modified training, while Mark McKenzie (foot inflammation) is on the mend but did not train. Pochettino suggested that while neither player is officially ruled out, it might be challenging to include them.