Christian Pulisic, a forward for the United States men’s national team, sustained a microfracture and bone bruise in his leg during the team’s World Cup last 16 match against Belgium. The injury occurred during the 4-1 loss on Monday, as confirmed by US Soccer. Pulisic was removed from the game in the second half after twisting his ankle and knee.
Following the match, Pulisic underwent X-ray and MRI scans on Tuesday to assess the full extent of the injury. Medical professionals expect him to be sidelined for several weeks. US Soccer stated that the federation and Milan are collaborating on his rehabilitation plan.
Pundit Reactions to Pulisic’s Injury and Performance
The injury to Christian Pulisic and the subsequent elimination of the USMNT from the World Cup prompted varied reactions from football analysts. After the match, Pulisic commented on his injury, stating, “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 comments drew criticism from some pundits. Carli Lloyd, a former US women’s national team star and current analyst, posted on social media the day after the match, “You rest when your playing career is over. Period.” This statement appeared to be directed at Pulisic.
Landon Donovan, a former captain of the US men’s national team, also weighed in on his podcast, Unfiltered Soccer. Donovan remarked that Pulisic exited a World Cup knockout game at home with his leg still intact, suggesting that he himself would have resisted being taken off the field under similar circumstances.
Lloyd’s analysis of the team’s performance was particularly candid. She expressed disappointment in Pulisic’s overall contribution during the tournament, stating, “I was a bit disappointed in Christian Pulisic. Whether he wants to be the star of this team or not, we didn’t see enough from him in this particular game — and, really, the whole World Cup. Little glimpses here and there.”
Lloyd, a two-time Women’s World Cup winner and double Olympic gold medalist, offered a critique that stood out among her fellow analysts. She noted that the team appeared to have “lost the game before they even stepped out on the pitch,” describing their play as “chasing. Tentative. Scared. Just not confident on the ball.”
Game analyst Stuart Holden had also pointed to Pulisic’s importance before the match, considering him the most crucial player. However, Holden observed from the opening whistle that Pulisic seemed to lack confidence and moxie.
Pulisic’s World Cup Campaign
Pulisic’s World Cup campaign was marked by injuries and inconsistent form, which was seen as a significant disappointment for the USMNT during their run to the last 16. He delivered a strong performance in the first 45 minutes of a 4-1 victory against Paraguay but was substituted at half-time due to aggravating a left-calf injury.
This calf issue also led to Pulisic missing the team’s second group stage match, a 2-0 win over Australia. He later appeared as a substitute in a 3-2 loss to Turkey, a match that was considered a dead rubber. In the last 32, he started and played 88 minutes in a 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, though his impact was only occasional.
Despite the team’s exit, Lloyd acknowledged the positive impact of the USMNT‘s journey, stating, “Aside from this loss, the brighter storyline is that it’s been a fantastic World Cup. This team has united the country. They have gotten American fans to fall in love with them. And there is a bright future. But this is just a real disappointing loss to go out on.” Pulisic’s injury is expected to keep him out for several weeks.
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Source: theguardian.com
Dominic Hayes is the Sports News Writer at NewsGB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with five years of reporting experience. He started on a north-east sports desk. He holds a degree in Journalism from Teesside University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Middlesbrough, he follows pro golf and amateur boxing. “Fast and accurate is the only standard worth keeping.”
