Pulisic status uncertain for USMNT match against Australia

As the U.S. men's national soccer team prepares to face Australia on Friday, the biggest question is whether Christian Pulisic will be available at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Pulisic suffered a calf injury and was subbed out at halftime in last week's 4-1 win over Paraguay. He had recorded an assist in that match.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino offered limited updates on Pulisic's condition ahead of the Australia game.

"He's evolving," Pochettino said. "He's much better from Friday. We'll see. I think at the moment, we think if he's not available for tomorrow, he'll be available for the next game."

Pochettino said Pulisic is making a strong effort to return and will meet with the training staff Thursday night to assess his status.

"I think for every player that loves his country, it's an amazing opportunity to enjoy and help the team win games," Pochettino said. "When this type of thing happens, always it's painful, but I think Christian is strong, with a great mentality, and doing a fantastic effort to try to be ready."

Pulisic took part in a modified training session on Thursday and did not join the full team during the media portion of practice.

Pochettino declined to name a potential replacement for Pulisic if he cannot play. Malik Tillman shifted to the left wing and Sebastian Berhalter moved into midfield after Pulisic exited against Paraguay.

"I will tell tomorrow if that is the situation," Pochettino said. "At the moment, we are evaluating all the possibilities just in case. And then we will decide when we have the confirmation in one or another direction tonight."

Weston McKennie said the team is focused on maintaining good spirits while Pulisic works to recover.

"Either way, just trying to give good spirits and hopefully he can be there tomorrow," McKennie said. "I know he really wants to be, and he's doing everything that he can, and the staff is doing everything that they can as well. But that's also another question that's better to ask him rather than me. I'm in my own la-la land."

Australia defeated Türkiye in its opening match. The winner of Friday's game will take sole possession of first place in Group D.