U.S. men’s national team star Christian Pulisic will play in Saturday’s Round of 16 World Cup match against the Netherlands in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
The team tweeted Friday afternoon that he had been cleared to play.
UPDATE: Christian Pulisic has been cleared to play in tomorrow’s match versus Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/ANg2baaJez
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) December 2, 2022
Manager Gregg Berhalter told reporters earlier Friday that Pulisic’s pelvic contusion had improved.
He didn’t have as much optimism about the hopes injured forward Josh Sargent would play against the Netherlands. Like Pulisic, Sargent was injured in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Iran that advanced the United States to the knockout stage.
On the play in which he scored the winning goal, Pulisic collided with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. Sargent was hurt as he fell after standing on the ball.
“He’s another one we’re going to test in training, see where he’s at,” Berhalter said about Sargent. “I think with Christian, we’re hopeful. I think with (Sargent) a little less so. But we’ll see. I mean, he’s going to test, he’s going to go at this time.
“At this stage, it’s go time, and if you can push through it, you do it. So I’m sure he’ll have that mindset.”
The match is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Saturday.
–Field Level Media
