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By Jordan Sigler
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The U.S. Men's National Team is set to play an important game against Ecuador on Friday night at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. With the World Cup coming up in 2026, Friday night's match is an opportunity for coach Mauricio Pochettino to evaluate his roster before next year.
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Star midfielder Christian Pulisic was a big miss for the USMNT's run in the Gold Cup in June and July, as he took time off to let his body heal before playing for AC Milan in Italy. Friday night's match would be a key opportunity for Pochettino to gauge how to scheme Pulisic in the World Cup, but the team isn't sure if he can play.
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Per Paul Tenorio of The Athletic, Pulisic, Alejandro Zendejas and Antonee Robinson missed Thursday's training session, and it's unclear if they will play Ecuador. Pochettino didn't specify if Pulisic suffered an injury, but said the star player had an "issue" that kept him out of the session.
“I need to communicate that we have some issues in some players, like Christian, who didn’t train today,” Pochettino said. “We need to assess tomorrow (if) they can be available or not.”
Pulisic has had a strong start to the season for AC Milan, earning Serie A Player of the Month for September. He's scored four goals and made two assists in six games played.
During a news conference on Thursday, Pulisic said it's important for the USMNT to gain chemistry during international competition this fall so they can gain confidence for the World Cup.
“I think we’re settling in well,” Pulisic said. “Now it’s about building good performances one after the other. After last camp feeling good, now it’s a great opportunity.”
Pulisic did not mention anything to the media about having an injury or any other issue that would keep him out of the training session.
Pulisic is expected to play a key role in how far the USMNT goes in the World Cup next year. He scored the lone goal in the USMNT's 1-0 win over Iran in the 2022 World Cup to advance to the knockout stage. He added an assist in the team's 1-1 tie against Wales in the group stage.
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