Editor’s update: US Soccer stated on Friday afternoon that Christian Pulisic has been cleared to play in the round of 16 fixture against the Netherlands on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET. Josh Sargent remains day-to-day with his injury.
The injuries to Christian Pulisic and Josh Sargent can affect their availability for the Netherlands clash. That game is in the round of 16, giving the US a chance to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
Both players suffered their knocks in the Iran game. Pulisic is dealing with a pelvic contusion from colliding with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. The injury forced the American star into a halftime substitution, with Brenden Aaronson taking his place on the left wing.
Josh Sargent also exited the game as a result of his injury. The Norwich City striker landed awkwardly after a tackle from centerback Majid Hosseini. Sargent stepped on the ball after Hosseini glided over it, forcing some sort of hyperextension of the striker’s right leg. Officially, the designation for Sargent is an ankle injury.
Both the injuries to Pulisic and Sargent are ‘day-to-day,’ bringing into question their preparedness for the round of 16 clash with the Netherlands.
The effect of injuries to Pulisic and Sargent
In his press conference in the day before that game, Berhalter provided updates on his two forwards. In regards to Pulisic, who started and finished the two games against Wales and England, it was positive.
While Berhalter did not confirm or deny the Chelsea player’s availability, the outlook is a good sign for fans.
“We’re gonna see him on the training field today,” Berhalter told reporters. “What I think is it looks pretty good, but we’ll have to see him on the pitch to get confirmation of that.”
For Sargent, it was not as delightful. While Berhalter is “hopeful” for Pulisic, he is “a little less so” for Sargent. Of course, Sargent only started two of the three group stage games. In the game against England, Berhalter opted for Haji Wright. However, Sargent did make a substitute appearance in the 83rd minute for Wright.
The United States kicks off its knockout journey against Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands side on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. ET. Coverage is available on FOX.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Agencia MexSport
