USA head coach confirms Pulisic returning to Chelsea with ‘slight ankle injury’

Chelsea had been hopeful that Christian Pulisic would be able to use the international break to help him get back some match fitness that he lost while quarantining due to a positive COVID-19 test, and while the 22-year-old was indeed able to start the last of the USA’s three matches during the break, he was unfortunately not able to finish it thanks to an ankle injury.

Honduras had been hacking at Pulisic all game, and eventually one of those fouls left him with a knock he was unable to run off. There was even some speculation about a knee bruise or perhaps something even worse, so from that perspective, a “slight” ankle injury is good news.

“Christian has a slight ankle injury. We’re going to get more info on it when he goes back to London, the severity of it.”

-Gregg Berhalter; source: NBC Soccer

Obviously it’s not great news however, especially for a young player who’s had more than his fair share of injuries in the last couple years, often preventing any chance of consistent playing time at Chelsea. Hopefully this is indeed “slight”, even if he was unable to continue last night.

Pulisic joins N’Golo Kanté (also ankle) and Romelu Lukaku (thigh) on the injury-concern list.