Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a microfracture and a bone bruise in his leg following the United States’ 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16 on Monday, as confirmed by US Soccer.
The injury occurred during the second half of the match in Seattle, prompting his early exit. On Tuesday, Pulisic underwent X-ray and MRI examinations to assess the severity of the injury, which is anticipated to sideline him for several weeks. US Soccer indicated that both the federation and AC Milan are collaborating on his rehabilitation strategy.
Following the disappointing loss, some analysts commented on Pulisic’s remarks made to the media regarding his injury. When questioned about the incident, he stated, “I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play … I have time to rest. It’s just unfortunate way to finish.”
Carli Lloyd, the former star of the US women’s national team and current Fox analyst, expressed her thoughts on Twitter, saying, “You rest when your playing career is over. Period.” This remark seemed to be a reaction to Pulisic’s situation.
Landon Donovan, a former captain of the US men’s national team, shared his perspective on his Unfiltered Soccer podcast, asserting, “the reality is, [Pulisic] came out of a World Cup knockout game at home, with his leg still intact … you would have had to fucking drag me off the field. And I would have punched the doctor in the face and said, ‘You’re not taking me off the field. Put whatever you need to put in me, and I’m staying on the field.’”
Pulisic’s struggle with injuries during the World Cup was a significant disappointment in the Americans’ journey to the last 16. He demonstrated skill during the opening half of a 4-1 victory over Paraguay but had to leave at halftime due to a left calf injury. This same injury prevented him from participating in the US’s second group game, a 2-0 victory against Australia. He later appeared as a substitute in a meaningless 3-2 loss to Turkey, and in the last 32, he started and played 88 minutes in a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, although he was only occasionally impactful.
