Pulisic, who had an assist in the win over Paraguay, suffered a calf injury that led to him being subbed out after the first half last week.
Pochettino was asked constantly about Pulisic’s status for Friday and stayed mum for the most part – evidently, understandably so.
On Thursday, Pochettino said his star player was "much better" than when he suffered the injury and would at the very least be available for their final group stage game next week against Turkey.
Pochettino said the staff and Pulisic would meet Thursday night – apparently, if that meeting happened, it was not promising.
Pochettino added that Pulisic was making a "massive effort trying to be ready," understanding that the U.S. star wants to be out on the pitch with the rest of his teammates.
During the team’s practice on Thursday, Pulisic did much of what he’s been seen doing all week – performing a modified training session and not participating with the rest of the team during the media portion.
Sebastian Berhalter came on at halftime for Pulisic in the opener, while starting midfielder Malik Tillman raised his already impressive game in Pulisic’s absence.
With Australia defeating Turkey in its first World Cup match, this bout between these two teams will determine who takes sole possession of first place in Group D.
With a victory, it would be the first time since the very first World Cup that the United States won back-to-back games in the tournament. The winner of this match will clinch a spot in the Round of 32.
But with Pulisic out, the mountain to climb just got a little higher.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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