IRVINE, Calif. – For a third straight day, U.S. men’s national team forward Christian Pulisicc trained on his own as he deals with a calf issue that now runs the risk of limiting his availability for Friday’s World Cup group stage game against Australia.
Just as he has all week, Pulisic began Wednesday’s training session in a gym set up in a tent next to the pitches, performing individual work with a member of the USMNT‘s technical staff. After about 15 minutes, he moved onto a field for light ball work with a trainer. Wearing a sleeve on his left calf, he was observed striking the ball with both his left and right foot while the rest of the squad continued its regular session nearby.
Pulisic left last week’s World Cup opener against Paraguay, a 4‑1 victory, at halftime under the impression it was a precautionary measure. He sustained a knock to his left calf before the Paraguay match and was struck again in the same area during the first half, leading to his substitution for Sebastian Berhalter when the United States was ahead 3‑0. U.S. Soccer continues to label his condition as day‑to‑day, keeping him in contention for Friday’s match against Australia. With only one training session remaining before the game, it remains uncertain how much he will participate in the decisive Group D fixture.
His teammates maintained a measured tone regarding Pulisic’s status on Wednesday, a group that included longtime international colleague Brenden Aaronson.
“We’re hoping Christian will be back for the match,” Aaronson said just before training. “I don’t know the exact details, but we know he’ll give everything to return to the squad and be available for the game, so we’ll see. We’re eager to find out what the situation is.”
Pulisic’s individual work this week could compel head coach Mauricio Pochettino to select a starter in his place for Friday, with several attacking options available on the U.S. roster. While Tim Weah and Alex Zendejas are among the candidates, Aaronson is also listed for the left‑wing role. He logged minutes in the U.S. team’s 2‑1 friendly victory over Australia in October and said Pulisic’s condition has not affected his mindset, even as a first‑ever World Cup start looms.
“I strive to stay calm,” Aaronson explained. “I don’t let emotions affect me. I take things day by day, and whenever the chance arises, I’m ready. That’s the kind of player I am — always prepared to start, compete, give my best, and give my all. I approach every game the same way: it’s just a game, and whatever role I’m assigned, I’ll give it my all. That’s simply who I am.”
Aaronson earned his second World Cup roster spot following a strong season with Premier League side Leeds United, contributing four goals and five assists as the promoted team secured its place with a few games remaining. His experience from last year’s friendly against Australia may prove useful, although the upcoming match will differ as both squads have key players returning from injury, raising the stakes to their highest level.
“I think the Australia match will be extremely tough,” he said. “Harry Souttar’s return to the side was remarkable. They are very organized and hard to beat. Our back five includes players of Harry’s stature — Cameron Burgess is 6‑4 to 6‑5 — so the opposition boasts many quality defenders, and we must be prepared. We’ll need to find moments to dismantle a resilient defense and stay ready for counter‑attacks, doing our best to break them down.”
Weah previously described that October friendly as a vital lesson in sustaining high intensity for the full 90 minutes, especially after a first half where Australia outperformed the United States. Although Aaronson was not on the field, having been warming up, Pochettino delivered a halftime address urging the team to raise its level, a factor that contributed to a strong second‑half performance, culminating in Haji Wright’s game‑winning goal after the break.
“You could see the shift at halftime; our second‑half play was excellent,” Aaronson said. “Now we head into a World Cup match aware that Australia will be extremely difficult to face. They delivered a strong opening game, so we must be prepared. I believe we’ll gain confidence from this first game, but we must avoid extremes and stay focused — we’re ready for the challenge.”
The U.S. team can also draw positives from Friday’s victory over Paraguay, where many pieces finally aligned after nearly two years of work under Pochettino.
“The most important thing he asked for was fight, grit and aggression,” Aaronson said. “There are some tactical adjustments, but when you bring that mindset into the game, that’s what he wants to see. In the last match we competed, were aggressive, and won many second‑ball battles — factors that give us the advantage in international play.”
