By Nathaniel Kay

'Thank goodness': Some Chelsea fans relieved after decision made on their 23-year-old last night

A handful of Chelsea supporters on social media were delighted after discovering Christian Pulisic started on the bench for the United States yesterday.

Pulisic began as a substitute for the USMNT’s World Cup qualifier against Jamaica.

He featured for the final 24 minutes, but could only help his side to a 1-1 draw.

This is the fourth consecutive game for club and country the 23-year-old has played a cameo role, as he continues to regain fitness.

The attacker only recently returned from an ankle injury, that had kept him out since August.

Therefore, the reintroduction period must be done gradually.

Chelsea fans certainly echoed this message and were grateful to learn about Pulisic’s refined role last night.

Here’s how they reacted on Twitter to their winger being benched:

Pulisic on the mend

Understandably, Pulisic’s health is being treated with the utmost caution.

After such a long layoff, the body needs time to recover.

Especially one as fragile as the USA forward.

The approach of both Chelsea and his national team has been wise.

His minutes have been managed extremely carefully but progressively.

In the last four matches, Pulisic has played 16 minutes, five minutes, 21 minutes and then 24 minutes.

Care for Christian

Obviously, the next big step will be to start the former Borussia Dortmund man from the get-go.

Could Saturday’s Premier League fixture away to Leicester City be just the place to start (literally and figuratively)?

Thomas Tuchel may take the guarded method and use the player reactively rather than proactively.

Pulisic’s day will come, yet he may just have to be patient for now.

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Nathaniel Kay

Nathaniel is a football journalist who graduated from the University of Derby. He has worked at Burton Albion as part of their media team for two years. Nathaniel produces regular articles for the club’s official website and match-day programme. He covered the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup in Brittany and has reported from grounds ranging from non-league up to the Premier League.