The United States men’s national team has its three biggest games in half a decade right around the corner. Three World Cup qualifiers against Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica to punch a ticket to Qatar 2022. The soccer gods have been anything but kind to the USMNT’s chances with injuries to top players Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest that will see them miss the three qualifying games.
When Christian Pulisic went down injured vs. Middlesbrough on Saturday every American soccer fan felt their heart drop to their stomach. Two minutes before halftime Pulisic went to control a pass only for his foot to slip out from under him and fall awkwardly.
Pulisic Injury vs Middlesbrough
Pulisic with an awkward fall... pic.twitter.com/C1BUHn6dP8
— I Love Shakhtar Donetsk (@buffafalos) March 19, 2022
Back angle pic.twitter.com/NUxOMg61LV
— I Love Shakhtar Donetsk (@buffafalos) March 19, 2022
After receiving some treatment Pulisic went back out to finish the first half. I was shocked to see America’s star forward come out for the second half. Pulisic would play for 23 minutes of the second half and he didn’t look comfortable. He walked gingerly and appeared to have an ever-lasting grimace on his face.
American Chelsea fans have never been happier to see Pulisic’s number appear on the substitution board than when Timo Werner replaced him in the 68th minute.
Time will tell how fit Pulisic is for Thursday’s clash at Azteca with Mexico. USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has already had to make one last-minute replacement bringing in George Bello to replace Dest.
ROSTER UPDATE:@_georgebello has been added to the #USMNT roster for our upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers » https://t.co/7yFvGhosVK pic.twitter.com/skNsz79khJ
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) March 18, 2022
As for Chelsea the Blues cruised into the FA Cup semifinals defeating Middlesbrough 2-0. First half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech secured the victory for Chelsea.
"How may I assist you?" @masonmount_1 puts it on a plate, as Lukaku finishes off a devastating @ChelseaFC counter-attack #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/61583tSkP8
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 19, 2022
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 19, 2022