The United States are in the World Cup last 16, but will Christian Pulisic be with them when they take on the Netherlands on Saturday?
The Chelsea forward’s first-half winner against Iran ensured the US qualified from Group B. However, he finished the game in hospital.
USA manager Gregg Berhalter later said the forward-named player of the match, even after his early exit was taken to hospital “as a precaution” as he felt dizziness following the injury.
The national side then confirmed the forward “has been diagnosed with a pelvic contusion and his status is day to day”, before Pulisic himself posted on social media from his hospital bed to say: “I’ll be ready Saturday, don’t worry.”
With the Netherlands up next for the USA in the last 16, they will hope to have Pulisic back in time – not least because he has had a hand in both of their goals at the tournament so far.
Berhalter needed a win from his side to make the last 16, against opponents who would have gone through with a draw.
He was given a “determined” and “focused” performance as the USA dug in to retain their slender lead.
Berhalter would not be drawn on questions about how far the United States could go, having reached the knockout stages for a third time in four World Cups. –BBC
