Canada Beats USMNT 2-0 to Remain Undefeated in 2022 World Cup Qualifying
Jan 30, 2022
Canadas Cyle Larin (L), celebrates his first half goal with Richie Lareya during the World Cup qualifying match between Canada and the United States in Hamilton, Ontario, on January 30, 2022. (Photo by Geoff Robins / AFP) (Photo by GEOFF ROBINS/AFP via Getty Images)
O Canada. Two-O, Canada, to be precise.
The Canadian men took control of the top of the CONCACAF table on Sunday afternoon, beating the USMNT 2-0 in World Cup qualifying. Canada now sits at 22 points, four clear of the second-place United States and five points above Mexico. Canada is also undefeated in qualifying.
FT: #usmnt 0-2 Canada. The US simply wasn't sharp enough, nor did it play fast enough in the final third. The subs provided a spark, but that was too late. Credit Canada. They played like a team with something to prove, and now they can practically touch a spot in Qatar.
The United States had its moments, holding large chunks of possession and pushing forward into the box. But the Americans were poor in the final third, lacking the crisp passing and clinical finishing needed to beat a very solid Canadian side.
The United States' best chance to equalize before allowing the second goal came from Weston McKennie—only to see Milan Borjan make a miraculous save:
In its best player, Christian Pulisic, looking flat for a second straight appearance?
The story continues to be lack of form of Christian Pulisic. I truly believe this is the handiwork of his recent time with Chelsea. Happy to see him that corner on Borjan save, hopefully sign his confidence returning. Where are the goals for the USMNT??
Or is Canada just better? It certainly has been thus far in qualifying.
There was a time when Canada was considered a soft team. Today? They were the tougher team, had more bite. They brought the edge, and took the #USMNT out of their comfort zone.
Also, David, Larin and Buchanan were clearly sharper than USA's attackers, who were just plain flat
In this qualifying period, the United States continues to veer between promise and inconsistency. They'll follow poor halves with excellent showings down the stretch. A good game will be followed by disappointment. Players will look world-class in one moment and mediocre the next.
Perhaps that partially comes with the territory for a talented but young roster. Some blame will fall on manager Gregg Berhalter for the flat showing after Thursday's 1-0 win over El Salvador.
Granted, the end game is qualifying for the World Cup, and the United States remain in excellent position to do so. The top three teams in CONCACAF qualifying receive an automatic berth to the World Cup, while the fourth-place team goes to an intercontinental playoff with a chance to qualify.
But Sunday's disappointing loss makes Wednesday's showdown with Honduras (7:30 p.m. ET) in Minnesota all the more important. Canada, meanwhile, can all but clinch its berth with points at El Salvador on Wednesday (9 p.m. ET). For the moment, they are the kings of CONCACAF.
USMNT vs. Canada: Odds, Time, Live Stream, TV Schedule for World Cup Qualifying
Jan 30, 2022
United States' Antonee Robinson (5) celebrates his goal with Weston McKennie (8) and Chris Richards (15) during the second half of a FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer match against El Salvador, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The top two teams in Concacaf FIFA World Cup qualifying square off Sunday in Hamilton, Ontario.
Few people expected to utter that sentence nine games deep into the qualifying process because Canada is not a typical powerhouse in men's soccer.
Canada's program has made a ton of progress over the past few years and has a chance to solidify its spot atop the Concacaf table with a win over the United States men's national team.
The USMNT should have a ton of motivation to beat its neighbor to the north. A victory would put the Americans in first place and one giant step closer to qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Gregg Berhalter's side took another leap toward qualification with a 1-0 win over El Salvador on Thursday. The USMNT boss should use most of his starters from that clash in Ontario on Sunday.
The USMNT took the majority of its first-team roster into Ontario.
Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie started together for the USMNT for the first time in three years Thursday. The European-based midfield trio should field the same roles Sunday as the Americans try to take the top spot from Canada.
The Americans will be without goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who did not travel from England because of a back issue he suffered with Manchester City, and attacker Timothy Weah because of an issue with his vaccination status. Weah should be back for the final game of the international window against Honduras on Wednesday, per U.S. Soccer.
#USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said Tim Weah did not travel because his vaccination – which meets all criteria in France, where he plays professionally – doesn’t meet Canada’s entry requirements.
Brenden Aaronson should be the top candidate to take over Weah's spot in the starting lineup. The Red Bull Salzburg midfielder is putting together a terrific season with his club, and his skills could be vital to the U.S. attack looking better than it did against El Salvador.
Aaronson is one of the most relentless two-way midfielders in the American talent pool. He will look to win the ball in midfield and set up chances.
Ricardo Pepi should be on the end of some of those passes if he starts up top. Pepi was not handed the start Thursday, with Jesus Ferreira featuring in that role.
Pepi is in the middle of transitioning from FC Dallas in Major League Soccer to Augsburg, which is in the middle of a relegation fight in the Bundesliga. He is one of five players with three or more goals in Concacaf World Cup qualifying, and he is a better option than Ferreira, who did not offer much moving forward in his last start.
Berhalter will be forced into one change and could also alter the forward lineup, but outside of that, no major tweaks are expected.
The USMNT boss could rotate Miles Robinson into the middle of defense to keep some legs fresh in the three-game window, but the Canada match takes precedence right now over a home matchup with Honduras.
The Americans caught a break because of Alphonso Davies' absence from the Canadian squad, but they still have to deal with Jonathan David in the final third.
David is tied with two others for the scoring lead in World Cup qualifying, and he has been in fantastic form in Ligue 1 with Lille. The striker could be Canada's difference-maker in its attempt to remain on top of the Concacaf table.
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Antonee Robinson's Goal Leads USMNT Past El Salvador in 2022 World Cup Qualifying
Jan 28, 2022
United States' Antonee Robinson (5) celebrates his goal with Weston McKennie (8) and Chris Richards (15) during the second half of a FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer match against El Salvador, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
You've read this script before. For 45 minutes, the United States men's national team came out flat and uninspired, only to look like a different team come the second half.
It's been the theme of World Cup qualifying for this group, and Thursday night's 1-0 win over El Salvador was the same story, as Antonee Robinson's 52nd-minute goal served as the difference between the teams.
FT: #usmnt 1-0 El Salvador: Not pretty - games against ES seldom are. I thought the U.S. could have managed the game better after Antonee Robinson's goal, but it was enough to get three massive points. On to Canada.
The result left the United States on 18 points, one ahead of Mexico and four points clear of Panama, which has a game in hand. Canada beat Honduras 2-0, which pushed it to 19 points.
With five matches to play, the Stars and Stripes find themselves in excellent position. In CONCACAF, however, there's never a safe moment to let down your guard.
The first half was a reminder of that, as the USMNT didn't deliver many chances outside of a stunning miss from Jesus Ferreira, who was a controversial selection as the No. 9.
Thursday night wasn't without its concerns. The slow starts remain an issue. More clinical teams than El Salvador will make the USMNT pay for sluggish openings. Manager Gregg Berhalter's halftime adjustments have been good throughout qualifying, but his opening tactics have been questionable.
A second goal in the second half to put the game away would have been nice from the USMNT's perspective too.
But most pressing was the poor form from captain Christian Pulisic. He did not put his best foot forward against El Salvador:
Christian Pulisic leaves in the 65th minute. Not a great night for him, you can tell the rhythm isn't there in his game, and his recent lack of time + positional moves at Chelsea have hurt his form.
Honest truth with Pulisic is that he is suffering with his club, and has returned to his international team and felt the need to force it. Huge test for Berhalter and his man management over the course of the 3-game window
Ferreira is the 10th different striker Pulisic has played with in 42 caps. He has to take ownership of his play but if he looks routinely uncomfortable with his forwards I think there’s a deeper strategic reason why.
Pulisic has had a frustrating season with Chelsea, which was perhaps reflected in his play Thursday. But the USMNT needs the best version of its best player going forward.
He'll get his next chance Sunday in a massive matchup against Canada (3:05 p.m. ET). El Salvador will face Honduras that same day at 7:05 p.m. ET.
USMNT vs. El Salvador: Odds, Time, TV, Live Stream, for World Cup Qualifying
Jan 27, 2022
U.S. men's national team forward Christian Pulisic, center, practices with teammates in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, ahead of Thursday's World Cup qualifying match against El Salvador. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
The United States men's national team starts the final stretch of Concacaf FIFA World Cup qualifying Thursday night against El Salvador.
The Americans enter the first of two final three-game sets in great shape in the eight-team table. They are one point behind first-place Canada, whom they are set to play in Hamilton, Ontario, on Sunday.
Gregg Berhalter's side opens up the international window in a town he his more than familiar with. Berhalter was the manager of the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer before he took over the USMNT.
Thursday's contest will be the second World Cup qualifying match of this cycle inside Lower.com Field, which was opened up last year.
The USMNT will be at close to full strength for the clash with El Salvador. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen is the only main contributor who will not be available because of a back injury. Steffen's absence is not a major deal, however, because Matt Turner has been pushing the Manchester City man for the No. 1 shirt throughout the qualifying cycle.
El Salvador comes into Columbus in need of three points to drag itself out of seventh place. The Central American nation needs to be near perfect in the final six games of the Octagonal round to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
USMNT vs. El Salvador Info
Date: Thursday, January 27
Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: ESPN.com and ESPN app
Match Odds
Moneyline: USMNT -500 (bet $500 to win $100); El Salvador +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100); draw +550
The USMNT should breeze through the contest in cold conditions in Ohio.
The Americans are looking ahead to a massive clash with Canada on Sunday that became a more winnable game after Alphonso Davies was ruled out.
Berhalter's team can't completely look past El Salvador, but if it gets one or two goals before the hour mark, the USMNT boss could rest some of his key players with Canada and Honduras on the horizon.
Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams are all available and should form the midfield spine for the Americans.
Pulisic's play in the final third will be massive for the team to get an early goal, while McKennie and Adams are tasked with shutting down any opportunities El Salvador may get in the midfield. The Chelsea man will be asked to feature in a chance-creating role behind Ricardo Pepi, who recently completed a move to Augsburg in the Bundesliga.
Pepi has been the United States' breakout star of World Cup qualifying, and he should get another chance to lead the forward line.
Jordan Morris, Gyasi Zardes and Jesus Ferreira are among the options Berhalter can turn to to either finish off the game or rescue three points. The Americans will hope the latter scenario does not pop up so that they can rest a few key figures in the final third of the contest.
The USMNT drew with El Salvador in its World Cup qualifying opener on September 2. That was viewed as an OK result since the squad picked up a point on the road. A win is the only acceptable result for Thursday's match after the Americans took seven points from their three-game set in November.
There should not be much of a drop off, if at all, from Steffen to Turner in net. Turner could start all three games in this window with Steffen out because of a back injury.
Berhalter's biggest concern comes in defense, where Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson will likely pair at center back. John Brooks was once again left off the USMNT roster because of his poor form at Wolfsburg, but that opens up a chance for Zimmerman and Robinson to lock down the No. 1 center back partnership.
An American victory will keep them on pace with Canada ahead of Sunday's showdown in Hamilton. Canada plays Honduras, Mexico visits Jamaica and Costa Rica plays host to Panama on Thursday.
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USMNT vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Odds, Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
Dec 18, 2021
United States' Walker Zimmerman watches the ball after passing it to a teammate during the second half of a FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer match between Mexico and the United States, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati. The U.S. won 2-0. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The United States men's national team finishes out its 2021 schedule with an eye on the first few games of 2022.
USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter called in a mix of first-team regulars and young players from Major League Soccer for the Saturday friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Americans are relying on a heavy MLS roster because Saturday's game does not fall during a traditional FIFA international window.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner, defenders Walker Zimmerman and Aaron Long, midfielders Kellyn Acosta and Cristian Roldan and forwards Gyasi Zardes, Ricardo Pepi and Jordan Morris are among the first-team regulars in the camp.
Berhalter will hand out some international debuts as well. Atlanta United's Brooks Lennon was confirmed as one of those players on Friday. The 24-year-old will start at right back around some familiar faces in defense.
The young USMNT roster can secure a record for victories in a calendar year by the program if it beats Bosnia and Herzegovina inside Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
The USMNT boss went on to explain what his strategy is with the MLS-based players staying prepared for the January CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, per Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy:
#USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter told reporters re: to Saturday's friendly with Bosnia and Herzegovina, "The whole idea is to keep the guys moving, specifically guys" in MLS. Cited F Ricardo Pepi, D Walker Zimmerman. "That's the emphasis ... keeping our core guys" active. 1/2
Turner, Zimmerman, Acosta, Roldan and Pepi will be trying to stay fresh in between the 2021 and 2022 MLS seasons to be ready for the early 2022 matches against El Salvador, Canada and Honduras.
Long, Zardes and Morris could be vital to those contests, but they all need to work back to full fitness after suffering injuries in the MLS season. Long and Morris are coming off long-term injuries.
Long could be a vital piece next to Zimmerman at center back, especially if John Brooks continues to be out of the picture. Brooks was kept out of the last set of World Cup qualifiers.
The progression of Morris and Zardes is vital to the thin talent pool at striker. Pepi broke on to the international stage in the fall, but the USMNT can't rely on the 19-year-old to be the lone threatening force up top.
Morris and Zardes could provide some much-needed depth at the position with three games coming up in a short span at the end of January and beginning of February.
The rest of the players in the December camp are there to show what they can do at the highest international level.
Lennon, George Bello and Bryan Reynolds could add some depth at the full back spots, while Cole Bassett could audition for a spot on the midfield bench.
Jesus Ferreira is the name to watch up top. The FC Dallas forward is aiming to make a similar impact as Pepi after an eight-goal campaign in MLS.
Bosnia and Herzegovina brought over an inexperienced squad to play the USMNT because the date does not fit into an international window.
The USMNT should come away with a victory, but Saturday's game is not about the result, it is about the individual performances of players looking to stay fit and trying to impress Berhalter.
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United States, Jamaica Play to 1-1 Draw in 2022 World Cup Qualifier
Nov 16, 2021
United States' Tim Weah celebrates scoring his side's opening goal against Jamaica during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in Kingston, Jamaica, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
The United States men's national team couldn't build off its win over Mexico, managing only a 1-1 draw against Jamaica in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier.
Timothy Weah gave the Americans an early lead in Kingston, Jamaica, but Michail Antonio responded with the equalizer a 11 minutes later for the home team.
Chances were limited for both teams beyond that with just four combined shots on goal across the 90 minutes.
Jamaica appeared to score the winning goal in the 84th minute on a corner kick, although the referee called it back for a foul.
The Americans were without midfielder Weston McKennie and defender Miles Robinson because of suspensions, while Christian Pulisic was only a substitute as he works his way back from an ankle injury. The short-handed squad was unable to muster much offense as it settled for the tie.
The United States now has 15 points through eight matches, which could be enough for first place in the CONCACAF table depending on Canada's match against Mexico.
The squad also only has one win and two draws through four road matches this qualifying cycle, continuing the same struggles from four years ago away from home.
Despite concerns about a flat start after an emotional game a few days earlier, the United States impressed with quality passing and a lot of aggressiveness.
Weah needed just 11 minutes to get his team a 1-0 lead thanks to a strong finish in the box:
Tim Weah finishes off a lovely team goal from the USMNT 😤
The Reggae Boyz kept the pressure on but couldn't secure the second goal for the upset win.
CONCACAF World Cup qualifying will now be on hold until Jan. 27 when the United States hosts El Salvador. The squad is also scheduled to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in an international friendly on Dec. 18, though that will most likely feature domestic players.
USMNT vs. Jamaica: Odds, Time, Live Stream, TV Schedule for World Cup Qualifying
Nov 16, 2021
U.S. forward Ricardo Pepi (9) plays during the second half of a FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer match against Mexico, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
The United States men's national team will try to stay on top of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying table on Tuesday when they visit Jamaica.
Gregg Berhalter's side grabbed control of first place through its 2-0 victory over Mexico on Friday night and now faces one of the struggling teams in the octagonal round of qualifying.
The USMNT will have to get three points in Kingston, Jamaica, without two of their key contributors, though. Atlanta United center back Miles Robinson and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie are both suspended for the match due to card accumulation.
Berhalter still has Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Ricardo Pepi at his disposal against the Reggae Boyz, which enter Tuesday in need of a victory after picking up six points from their first seven qualifying matches.
USMNT vs. Jamaica Info
Date: Tuesday, November 16
Start Time: 5 p.m. ET
TV: NBC Universo
Live Stream: Paramount Plus
Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook): USMNT (-165; bet $165 to win $100); Jamaica (+475; bet $100 to win $475); Draw (+260)
Preview
Jamaica is the first team the USMNT will face for a second time in World Cup qualifying.
When the two sides last met on October 7, the Americans were in need of a victory on home soil to boost their positioning in the table.
Pepi, the 18-year-old striker from FC Dallas, scored his second and third career international goals to power the U.S. past the Reggae Boyz in Austin, Texas.
Since then, Berhalter's side has reeled off home wins over Costa Rica and Mexico to grab hold of first place and put itself on track to qualify directly for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The top three teams at the end of CONCACAF qualifying will automatically land in the tournament.
Pepi is one of the regular faces we should see on the field for the Americans at the end of the two-game international break. The two earlier qualification rounds required more squad rotation because they comprised three-game windows.
Whether Pulisic starts beneath Pepi in the American attack is still unknown. The Chelsea player came off the bench to score the game-winning goal against Mexico on Tuesday but is still working his way back to 90-minutes fitness.
Pulisic is in the mix to start Tuesday's match, but Berhalter was not ready to reveal that decision yet.
However, the USMNT boss did say Manchester City's Zack Steffen would start over Matt Turner from the New England Revolution in net for the second straight game, per The Athletic'sSam Stejskal:
Highlights from Berhalter presser:
✔️Steffen will start in goal at Jamaica ✔️Pulisic could've started vs. Mexico, but US felt he wasn't 90 minutes fit. In consideration to start Tues. ✔️Full XI isn't yet decided. Conditions of field will play a role. USMNT trains this evening.
The unit in front of Steffen will change a bit with Robinson out for the match. Mark McKenzie or Chris Richards will step in alongside Walker Zimmerman in the back line.
Zimmerman has been one of the best defenders in the octagonal round and has helped the Americans concede just four goals through seven matches.
The USMNT has the best qualifying record and is tied with Canada for the region's best defense. Both teams have a plus-seven goal differential and have conceded four goals.
Kellyn Acosta or Sebastian Lletget could enter into a reconfigured midfield with McKennie out. Yunus Musah is a lock to start in one of the central positions in front of Tyler Adams, who has a defensive-midfield role in front of the back four.
If the Americans win on Tuesday, they will enter 2022 on top of the table. Mexico and Canada play in Edmonton in what is now a battle for second place.
Jamaica needs three points at home to try to salvage what has been a wretched qualifying campaign to date. It opened qualifying with one point from four games and lost to Mexico, Panama and the USMNT.
The Reggae Boyz have found their footing a bit through a win over Honduras and a draw with El Salvador, but they need victories and some help over the next seven matches to force their way into the World Cup picture.
Two-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake is Jamaica's best hope for picking up a win. If he pitches a clean sheet, the home side will be in a great spot to earn a positive result.
Elsewhere in CONCACAF on Tuesday, Costa Rica plays host to Honduras, and El Salvador visits Panama. Canada and Mexico clash in the night's final scheduled kickoff.
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The United States vs. Mexico in World Cup qualifying. It doesn't get much better than this in our part of the world, and this latest installment should give us plenty to analyze as ...
Christian Pulisic Headlines USMNT Roster for World Cup Qualifiers vs. Mexico, Jamaica
Nov 4, 2021
SAN PEDRO SULA, HONDURAS - SEPTEMBER 8: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States dribbles during a game between Honduras and USMNT at Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano on September 8, 2021 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team welcomes back Christian Pulisic ahead of two World Cup qualifying matches, but the squad will still be without some regulars.
Here is the full roster for the Nov. 12 game against Mexico and Nov. 16 battle with Jamaica:
The positional breakdown of the #USMNT’s 25-player November #WCQ roster.
El plantel de 25 jugadores de #USMNT por posición para los partidos de eliminatorias de #WCQ en noviembre.
Pulisic missed the last qualifying window with an ankle injury but returned to the pitch for Chelsea in Tuesday's Champions League match.
Giovani Reyna and Sergino Dest are out with injuries. Dest's back injury kept him out of Barcelona's Champions League game Tuesday.
"If we thought he could play, he'd be in camp," coach Gregg Berhalter said of Dest on Thursday. "These games are that important."
Reyna has not played for Borussia Dortmund or for his country since suffering a hamstring injury with the USMNT in September.
Another notable absence is John Brooks, who had been a fixture at center back for the United States. The Wolfsburg defender owned up to his struggles Thursday:
“The decision to leave me out of this this camp isn’t surprising given some of my recent performances.”
It could put pressure on MLS center backs Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman to pick up the slack.
The latest roster also features new addition Joe Scally, an 18-year-old who has made 10 Bundesliga starts for Borussia Monchengladbach this season. He can play either right or left back and could be an important player for the Americans.
Ricardo Pepi returns after scoring three goals in four matches with the national team in September and October, although Berhalter chose to omit fellow strikers Josh Sargent and Daryl Dike. Fans should see a lot of the 18-year-old over the next two matches, although FC Dallas teammate Jesus Ferreira could also get playing time at forward.
The United States enters this stage of qualifying with 11 points through six matches, good for second place in CONCACAF but three behind Mexico for first. Jamaica ranks sixth of eight teams and suffered a 2-0 loss to the Americans in October.
Chelsea's Christian Pulisic 'Very, Very Close' to Return After Ankle Injury
Oct 19, 2021
SAN PEDRO SULA, HONDURAS - SEPTEMBER 8: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States warming up before a game between Honduras and USMNT at Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano on September 8, 2021 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said
Tuesday that winger Christian Pulisic has struggled to overcome lingering
pain from an ankle injury suffered during a Sept. 8 appearance with
the United States men's national team.
However, the German coach added Pulisic is "very, very close" to rejoining the squad.
"He got injured during a match
with USA," Tuchel told reporters. "It was a tough foul and
he hurt his ankle. There is nothing to worry [about] in terms of that
we are hiding details or not telling you details. I cannot give you
all the details because I am simply not a doctor."
Tuchel also confirmed Pulisic won't be
available for the Blues' UEFA Champions League match against Malmo at
Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
"He is very impatient of course," Tuchel said. "He does everything and we can see him suffer in every
meeting and every time we meet him here in our training center, he is
really suffering. He wants to be on the pitch and help us. Everybody
is doing their very best but unfortunately the injury takes its
time."
Pulisic has only made two appearances
for Chelsea during the early stages of the 2021-22 season. He helped
the club beat Spanish side Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup and then
scored in the Blues' 3-0 win over Crystal Palace to open the Premier
League term.
The 23-year-old Pennsylvania native was
then sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, however, and
suffered the ankle injury upon his return to action with the USMNT.
He missed the latest round of World Cup
qualifiers for the U.S., which included home wins over Jamaica and
Costa Rica along with an away loss to Panama.
Pulisic's creativity in the attacking
third was sorely missed by the Americans, who scored just four goals
in the three matches.
While Tuchel is hopeful the playmaker
can return in the near future, he noted the recovery process from
ankle injuries can have a lot of stops and restarts.
"Once these players with these
quick movements like Christian, once they feel this pain and are not
free in the movement, the recovery is not happening so you start all
over again," he told reporters. "You start all over again and
reach a certain point and then the pain comes back and you have to do
a little pause and start all over again."
U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter will
hope Pulisic is back in action before the next international window
in mid-November with the side set to host rival Mexico on Nov. 12 and
visit Jamaica on Nov. 16.
Meanwhile, Chelsea sits atop the
Premier League table with 19 points (6-1-1) through the first eight
matches on the strength of a plus-13 goal differential (16-3).
So Pulisic will likely have to earn a
role within the in-form squad once he's cleared to return.
