Christian Pulisic’s World Cup status ‘evolving’ while availibilty for Australia game remains doubtful

SEATTLE — For all the optimism around Christian Pulisic’s status in the aftermath of his left calf injury last Friday, things are coming down to the wire for his status against Australia. 

“He’s evolving,” manager Mauricio Pochettino said at his news conference Thursday. “He’s much better from Friday. We’ll see. 

“I think at the moment, we think if he’s not available for tomorrow, he’ll be available for the next game. He’s doing a massive effort trying to be ready. I think for every player that loves his country, it’s an amazing opportunity to enjoy and help the team win games. When this type of thing happens, always it’s painful, but I think Christian is strong, with a great mentality, and doing a fantastic effort to try to be ready.” 

Pulisic, a few hours prior, had once again done a modified training session, and wasn’t with the rest of the team during the portion of training open to media viewing. Pochettino said he would meet with the medical staff Thursday night. 

Pochettino declined to say what his plan would be if Pulisic can’t go against the Socceroos. 

“I will tell tomorrow if that is the situation,” the 54-year-old said. “At the moment, we are evaluating all the possibilities just in case. And then we will decide when we have the confirmation in one or another direction tonight.” 

The options for Pochettino would range from doing what he did in the second half against Paraguay — moving Malik Tillman to Pulisic’s spot while Sebastian Berhalter takes over a midfield pivot — to playing any of Gio Reyna, Alex Zendejas, Brenden Aaronson or even Tim Weah in the left attacking midfield position usually occupied by No. 10. 

The messaging around Pulisic’s status has changed over the last couple of days, with players going from saying the superstar would surely be available to hedging. 

“As far as recovery, I don’t really know,” Weston McKennie said. “To be fair, I’m more just the energy guy. Either way, just trying to give good spirits and hopefully he can be there tomorrow. I know he really wants to be, and he’s doing everything that he can, and the staff is doing everything that they can as well. But that’s also another question that’s better to ask him rather than me. I’m in my own la-la land.” 

When another question about Pulisic was asked, McKennie said, “You guys love asking about other people.”