Pulisic's Potential Absence Raises Questions for USMNT's Clash with Australia
The United States men's national team (USMNT) heads into their crucial match against Australia with high spirits following their opening victory over Paraguay. However, the potential absence of star player Christian Pulisic due to a calf injury poses a significant challenge. Pulisic was substituted at halftime during the Paraguay match, initially viewed as a precaution, but has since shown signs of a more serious issue. As the USMNT prepares for the match on Friday, Pulisic has not participated in full training, opting for individual workouts while wearing a calf sleeve. This leads to the pressing question: who will step in for him on the left wing? Malik Tillman was moved from central midfield to the wing when Pulisic exited, but this shift disrupted team balance. Gio Reyna, who scored a stunning goal against Paraguay, remains a concern due to fitness issues, having not played over 60 minutes in a match since December 2025. The previous encounter between the USMNT and Australia in October saw the US secure a 2-1 victory, but both teams have evolved since then. Tim Weah, originally a starter in the 2022 World Cup, could be a strategic replacement. His versatility on both wings and experience with both the national team and Marseille make him a reliable option. Alternatively, Brenden Aaronson from Leeds United offers a different skill set, excelling in pressing and contributing to defensive efforts, which could help tire out the Australian side. The predicted lineup for the USMNT, as suggested by Pardeep Cattry, is: Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Timothy Weah, Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest, Folarin Balogun. As the match approaches, all eyes will be on how the USMNT adapts and strategizes in Pulisic's potential absence.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-06-18