Christian Pulisic of the United States sits on the grass after he was tripped during the American’s 4-1 win over Paraguay in the World Cup opener on June 12. Pulisic will not play against Australia on Friday because of a calf injury. (Jayne-Kamin-Oncea/Associated Press)
SEATTLE — U.S. star Christian Pulisic will miss Friday’s World Cup match against Australia because of a calf injury.
American coach Maurice Pochettino made the announcement during an interview with Fox about 90 minutes before the kickoff at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The move is a setback for a U.S. team riding high after defeating Paraguay 4-1 in its first game one week ago.
Pulisic left the game at halftime. Pochettino said the 27-year-old attacker was kicked in the back of his left calf during a training session ahead of the game and felt tightness during the match.
Pulisic trained on his own in the leadup to the game against Australia.
Pulisic has 33 goals in 87 international appearances.