Pochettino gives more specifics on Pulisic’s issue: “His ankle was a little bit swollen”

USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Christian Pulisic is still struggling with the after-effects of an ankle issue.

Pulisic has started the season in brilliant fashion, with six goals and two assists in just eight matches for Milan across all competitions. On Thursday he was named Serie A Player of the Month for September after a stellar month, but some worrying words have come from the United States.

Pulisic did not train the day before the friendly against Ecuador but did end up coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute, which certainly implies that he was feeling a bit better on matchday. Another bad bit of news was regarding Pervis Estupinan, who came off with an ankle issue.

Pochettino spoke to TNT before kick-off in the eventual 1-1 draw with Ecuador in Texas and he gave an update on Pulisic’s fitness.

“Christian didn’t train yesterday. He’s [been] suffering, from the preseason, a small issue in his ankle. After training Wednesday, his ankle was a little bit swollen. It’s an important game, yes, but at the same time, it’s important to not take risks,” he said (via ProSoccerWire).

“Of course, he’s going to be on the bench, and we’ll see. We will decide if maybe he can play. If not, [the goal is] to be ready next Tuesday [against Australia].”