United States midfielder Weston McKennie has told The Athletic that Christian Pulisic has already told him he’ll be back for their Round of 16 tie this weekend.
The US qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup following an emotional 1-0 victory over Iran, where the Chelsea man scored the only goal of the game.
The game was abruptly cut short for Pulisic the second he put his side ahead. He took a massive hit as he bundled the ball over the line from close range.
He was taken to hospital after being replaced, with the official statement saying he will be monitored on a day-to-day basis.
The player meanwhile is seemingly much more confident he’ll be fit and ready to go by the time his country takes on Netherlands on Saturday.
Pulisic ready for Saturday
McKennie has revealed that after messaging the Chelsea man in hospital, his reply seemed to suggest he would be ready to go at the weekend.
He said: “I sent him a text and checked on him, and he said, ‘Best believe I’ll be ready on Saturday,’”
“Obviously we’re very thankful that he threw his body there but the thing is we have 25 other guys aside from Christian who would do the same thing I believe.
“You see the statue Christian has and that he’s willing to throw his body on the line. That should tell you enough about how close this team is.”
With Pulisic’s importance to the national team not difficult to see, it will be crucial for them that he is back at his best before the huge knockout game comes around.
Chelsea fans all around the world will be enjoying the winger’s exhilarating tournament so far, with them desperate for him to carry it over to Stamford Bridge after Christmas.
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