Christian Pulisic suffers leg fracture in US World Cup defeat, faces weeks out
Christian Pulisic, the United States star, sustained a microfracture and bone bruise in his leg during the team’s World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. The injury, which occurred in the 4-1 loss, is expected to keep him out of action for several weeks. US Soccer confirmed the diagnosis after X-ray and MRI scans were conducted.
The injury happened in the second half of Monday’s match in Seattle. Pulisic collided with Belgium captain Youri Tielemans in the 52nd minute while attempting a shot. Although he remained on the field for a short period, he was noticeably hobbling and was eventually replaced by Sebastian Berhalter in the 59th minute. US Soccer and AC Milan are reportedly collaborating on his rehabilitation plan.
Pulisic’s World Cup Campaign and Reactions
Pulisic’s World Cup campaign was marked by injuries. He played effectively in the first 45 minutes of a 4-1 victory over Paraguay but was substituted at half-time due to an aggravated left-calf injury. This same ailment caused him to miss the team’s second group stage game, a 2-0 win against Australia. He later appeared as a substitute in a 3-2 loss to Turkey and started in a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, playing 88 minutes.
Following the United States‘ exit from the tournament, Pulisic’s comments regarding his injury drew attention. He stated, “I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play… I have time to rest. It’s just unfortunate way to finish.” These remarks prompted reactions from former players and analysts.
Carli Lloyd, a former US women’s national team player and current analyst, posted on social media, “You rest when your playing career is over. Period.” This comment was perceived by some as being directed at Pulisic. Lloyd also offered a critical assessment of the team’s performance against Belgium, stating, “I felt like they lost the game before they even stepped out on the pitch.” She expressed disappointment in Pulisic’s overall performance during the World Cup, noting a lack of consistent impact.
Landon Donovan, a former captain of the US men’s national team, shared his perspective on his podcast, “Unfiltered Soccer.” Donovan commented on the expectation of players remaining on the field during crucial matches, suggesting he would have resisted being removed from a knockout game. He remarked, “the reality is, [Pulisic] came out of a World Cup knockout game at home, with his leg still intact… you would have had to fucking drag me off the field.”
Looking Ahead for Pulisic
Pulisic is entering his fourth season with AC Milan. Despite the injury, he is anticipated to resume training before Milan‘s Serie A opener against Torino on August 23. The injury means he would not have been able to participate in the remainder of the tournament had the United States progressed further.
During the World Cup, Pulisic did not score any goals. He has accumulated 30 goals in 90 international appearances throughout his career. His recovery will be a key focus as he prepares for the upcoming club season with AC Milan.
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Source: theguardian.com
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
