Pulisic in doubt vs Australia: Robinson out due to injury, Pochettino announces

COMMERCE CITY, Colorado – US National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino is evaluating Christian Pulisic’s situation for the upcoming friendly against Australia. The final decision will be made on Tuesday. Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan, has shown a good recovery from his ankle injury. He played approximately 20 minutes in the draw against Ecuador on Friday and participated in Monday’s training session.

I think the reaction after the 20 minutes he played [against Ecuador] was good. His ankle reacted very well and I hope he will be available tomorrow. We need to wait for today’s reaction as well, but I think he is much better than when he arrived.

Mauricio Pochettino

On the other hand, Fulham defender Antonee Robinson has been ruled out of the match due to persistent knee problems.

Since the beginning of the concentration, he has a small problem in his knee, a little pain. We are managing it in the best way, but he still can’t participate in training and surely he won’t be able to play tomorrow.

Mauricio Pochettino

Regarding the lineup against Australia, Pochettino is considering whether to maintain the same tactical scheme or give opportunities to other players. It is likely that a combination of both will be seen, although the Argentine coach is inclined to make changes.

A player who can maybe [play] tomorrow [and] have the opportunity to perform and say ‘Hey, be careful because I’m knocking on the door and I can also be in the World Cup’. I think more this than [keeping things the same] and surely we are maybe going to [make] changes and maybe change the shape.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino considers Australia to be a solid team in its game ideas and expects an aggressive match, similar to that of Ecuador.

I think they are going to force us to give our best too, to match in different aspects. Not only in the game plan, but in the duels, but in situations that are going to happen on the field, which we need to manage better and better and which we need to improve. Australia is going to help in this way.

Mauricio Pochettino