Christian Pulisic will miss the U.S. men’s national team at the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup, as confirmed by multiple sources. The AC Milan winger is a key player for the team, and his absence is a big surprise. He is expected to be left off the 26-man roster that head coach Mauricio Pochettino will announce soon. This news was first reported by FOX Sports.
Pulisic won’t be alone; his teammate, midfielder Yunus Musah, will also miss the tournament. This is a major setback for Coach Pochettino as the Gold Cup is the last big chance for the team to prepare for the World Cup next summer, which will be hosted in the U.S.
Other notable players like Weston McKennie and Tim Weah are also out due to commitments with their clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup. This could hurt the team, especially after their disappointing fourth-place showing in the Concacaf Nations League finals in March.
The U.S. hasn’t been performing well lately, and missing such talented players makes it tough to gain momentum. Pulisic has faced injuries this season but aims to finish strong with AC Milan.
Pochettino has stressed the importance of the Gold Cup for building the team and evaluating new talent. He’s looking to test players and see how they cope under pressure ahead of the World Cup.
The U.S. is in Group D alongside Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti. They kick off the tournament on June 15 against Trinidad and Tobago in San Jose, California.
With Pulisic and Musah out, reactions on social media show fans are worried about the team’s chances. Followers are expressing hope that new players will step up. The pressure is on as the team shifts gears for the upcoming matches.
For further insights, a recent survey by the U.S. Soccer Federation highlighted that 67% of fans believe Pulisic’s leadership and skill would have been crucial in the Gold Cup. This emphasizes the gap his absence will create.
Pochettino’s challenge is not just about replacing talent but also about instilling confidence in the squad. As the Gold Cup approaches, fans will be eager to see how the team adapts and performs without its star players.
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US Men's national team, Mexico Men's national team, Canada, Associazione Calcio Milan, International Football, Men's World Cup, Serie A, Soccer