Pulisic in doubt vs Australia: Robinson out with injury, USMNT with changes

The United States manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has stated that he will wait until Tuesday to determine if AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic will participate in the friendly against Australia. On the other hand, Fulham defender Antonee Robinson has been ruled out due to persistent knee problems. Pochettino informed on Monday that Pulisic is progressing favorably in the recovery from his ankle injury, after playing approximately 20 minutes in the draw against Ecuador on Friday. The coach added that Pulisic participated in Monday’s training session, but prefers to wait for the player’s reaction before making a decision.

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

Mauricio Pochettino

Regarding Robinson, Pochettino mentioned that the Fulham defender is feeling pain in his knee, without specifying if it is the knee operated on in May.

Antonee, since the beginning of the concentration, has had a small problem in his knee, a little pain. We are managing it in the best way, but he still cannot participate in training and, surely, tomorrow he will not be able to play. I hope it is not something important, but he can return to his club and train normally there.

Mauricio Pochettino

Regarding the lineup against Australia, Pochettino is considering keeping the core of the team with some tactical adjustments or giving opportunities to other players. It is likely that both options will be combined, although the Argentinian coach is more inclined to make changes.

A player who may be able to 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 of this than keeping things the same and, sure, maybe we’ll make changes and maybe we’ll change the shape.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino pointed out that, while the United States continues to define its tactical identity, Australia is “more solid in its ideas and I don’t think it will change its way of playing.” He expects a team that, like Ecuador, will play very aggressively.

I think they will force us to give our best to match in different aspects. Not only in the game plan, but in the duels, in the situations that will occur on the field, which we need to handle better and better and improve. Australia will help us in this regard.

Mauricio Pochettino