Christian Pulisic has confirmed he is fit to return for the USA vs Turkey on Thursday, which leaves Mauricio Pochettino with a decision on his hands.
The USMNT are already through to the knockout round, but any gametime will help Pulisic regain his fitness following a comeback from a left calf injury.
Christian Pulisic Latest Injury Update
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Pulisic suffered a left calf injury during training ahead of the tournament opener against Paraguay. He played the first 45 minutes of that match – contributing directly to the USA’s 4-1 win – before exiting at halftime.
He missed the second group game entirely, a 2-0 victory over Australia which secured USA’s passage to the knockouts.
When asked whether he was fit to face Turkey, he responded: “I’m ready to play a part. I’m feeling good. I joined the team the last couple days and yeah, I’m hoping to play a part in Thursday for sure,”
He also told reporters it is “unlikely” he jumps straight back into a full 90 minutes after missing a game.
Pochettino will have to decide whether Pulisic can play from the beginning or be a second half substitute. But either way, it appears as though he will get minutes.
Christian Pulisic Best Bet If He Starts On Bench
If Pochettino holds Pulisic back as a second-half substitute, live betting becomes the move. His introduction will likely come in the 55th-to-70th-minute window. At that point, in-play anytime scorer odds will reflect his current involvement – meaning bettors who wait for his warm-up on the touchline can get a read before committing.
Watch the lineups, watch the first-half shape, then act when the picture is clear. Pulisic entering a tight game against an eliminated side is a high-probability scoring opportunity.
Pulisic can also take advantage of tired legs in the Paraguay defence and will want to make up for lost time following his absence.
Christian Pulisic Best Bet If He Starts
The recommended play is USA to win at -105 via BetOnline, paired with Pulisic anytime scorer in the player props section.
The USMNT faces an eliminated opponent with no momentum and no objective. Even a rotated USA side carries too much individual quality – led by a returning Pulisic – to let Turkey take points here.
Turkey conceded two against goal-shy Australia and one against 10-man Paraguay, so there’s little sign that their defence can keep out the hosts inside a hostile atmosphere.
If Pulisic starts, then a riskier outlay would be on him to score the first goal of the match – particularly with Falorin Balogun set to be rested.
Written by Sports EditorMark Roberts
