Pulisic Trains Separately with Calf Issue but Teammates Say He Looks Fit Ahead of Australia Match

U.S. men's national team continues to describe the problem as minor ahead of Friday's World Cup group-stage match against Australia. Pulisic left the USMNT's 4-1 win over Paraguay at halftime after being kicked in the calf area during the first half.

Midfielder Tyler Adams said the coaching staff removed him as a precaution while the team already led 3-0. On Tuesday at the Great Park in Irvine, California, Pulisic worked alone inside a tent near the training fields on instructions from the medical staff. The team is based at the facility for the duration of the group stage.

U.S. faces Australia on Friday at Seattle's Lumen Field. Forward Tim Weah said Pulisic appeared fit during the individual sessions. "It's been good," Weah said on Tuesday.

"For me, he's looked as he always has. He looks normal, he looks fit. I think he took a little bit of a knock, so he's with the trainers on the side, but I think he'll be ready for the game. " Weah also praised Pulisic's overall contribution.

"When it all comes down to it, Christian is a world-class player," he said. "Christian, for me, is top five wingers in the world. He's one of my favorite players to watch. Being able to play alongside him for a long time has been amazing, just the little things that he does.

He's such a humble player, and I think you get caught up in a lot of the noise, but Christian is amazing. I mean, he showed it against Paraguay. His ability and what he's able to do on the ball is amazing for us.

U.S. and Australia each won their opening games and will compete to finish first in Group D. S. victory in a friendly last October in the Denver suburbs.