Christian Pulisic Returns to USMNT Training Ahead of Turkey Showdown]

IRVINE, Calif. – Christian Pulisic rejoined teammatesvailable for the U.S. men’s national team on Monday for the first time in over a week as he stepped up his fitness progression following a minor calf issue.

The forward participated in the opening drills of the session, which included individual jogging exercises across the pitch. He was wearing cleats after previously training in sneakers during his recovery period and did not use the leg sleeve he wore on his left calf in recent days.

Pulisic had missed training since June 11, the day before the USMNT’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener on home soil. He experienced a minor issue in the build-up to that match but still trained and started the game, delivering an impressive performance before being substituted at halftime. The absence from Friday’s 2-0 win over Australia was described as precautionary after he was struck in the same area of his leg that had previously caused concerns, though he completed individual sessions throughout the week.

Despite missing team training, Pulisic maintained positive spirits during the week, with teammates supporting his mental focus away from the injury concerns.

“It’s a tough situation when you go through a small knock which could cause an injury during an important tournament where obviously everyone wants to be able to be at their 100% but I think it’s not so much to talk about the injury or talk about the moment he’s going through,” said teammate Alex Zendejas, Pulisic’s longtime friend and teammate. “If so, talk to him… about other stuff, like try to get his mind off of it.”

While Pulisic could be available for selection against Turkey, it remains unclear what role he might play given his fitness level and the game situation. The USMNT has already secured top spot in Group D, making Thursday’s match result irrelevant. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rotate his lineup, which had remained largely consistent between the Paraguay and Australia games aside from Pulisic’s injury creating an opportunity for Ricardo Pepi.

“The most important thing is to go out there and win, regardless of whatever team the coach decides to play,” said forward Folarin Balogun, who scored twice against Paraguay. “The objective and the aim is to go out there and win – three wins from three games. It’s an opportunity to create history and put a positive message out there, not just for ourselves but towards other teams, so I’m sure the objective of all of us is to go out there and win.”

Monday’s session was not full squad training, as midfielder Cristian Roldan sat out with a muscle strain and is considered day-to-day. Forward Folarin Balogun participated in a modified session, starting with a jog before moving to individual gym work to allow for additional recovery, but is expected to be available for the Turkey match.

With minute management and yellow card accumulation – a second booking in three games would suspend key players for the Round of 32 – there are likely opportunities for players seeking more playing time.

“Training hard and waiting for the opportunity but I’m sure it’ll come,” said Zendejas, who has yet to see action at the World Cup. “That’s obviously a coach’s decision and something I’ve got to respect, but I’ve always said it all depends on how I’m on the field. I’m working hard, having fun, really enjoying this dream that I’m living right now, so I couldn’t ask for more. I’m happy to be here with the guys, with the group.”

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