Christian Pulisic misses USMNT's World Cup qualifier against El Salvador; USA goalkeeper Zack Steffen also out
The American men’s national team will be without star player champion Christian Pulisic and starting goalkeeper Zack Steffen for their opening match in the World Cup qualifier on Thursday. The team starts its Concacaf qualification campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2022 against El Salvador. Pulisic, who tested positive for COVID before the international window, did not travel with the team to San Salvador for Thursday’s clash, a kickoff 22:05 ET at Estadio Cuscatlan on CBS Sports Network and Paramount +. Steffen also did not travel, while coach Gregg Berhalter named Matt Turner the starter in goal.
Pulisic remained in Nashville to regain fitness and is listed as the daily, Berhalter said Wednesday at his pre-match press conference. The Chelsea player may be available for Sunday’s match against Canada at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, though Berhalter said they will have to see how he feels when they return and did not commit to being available.
“Christian Pulisic did not travel with the team,” Berhalter said. “He does not play. He is listed as daily.”
As for Steffen, his inaccessibility is a blow as he deals with back cramps, but the team is so deep in that position. Nations League hero Ethan Horvath is on the team, as is Gold Cup star Turner. Berhalter said he is sure any of the three will start, but he chose Turner because he was in the best shape.
As for Pulisic, not having him is a big blow for the United States in a game that is unlikely to be a cake walk. There is more excitement surrounding the El Salvador national team than for a long time with former USMNT player Hugo Perez as coach. The team looked sharp at the Gold Cup while making the quarterfinals, but have not been to a World Cup since 1982.
Prior to the match, who could fill Pulisic’s shoes in start -XI? Here are three options.
1. Brenden Aaronson
This is the logical choice because he has been an important part of the national team under Berhalter and offers many of the same qualities that Pulisic does, which include beating defenders one-on-one, a creativity to find others in the field and more . He’s just 20, so you have to worry about inexperience, but the talent is there, as is the ability to produce something magical to secure all three points.
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2. Konrad de la Fuente
This would be my choice. The Marseille man has dazzled in Ligue 1 since moving from Barcelona, recording two assists in four games. He has averaged over 80 percent completed his passes and has done so well in picking up open strikers after taking a step to the finish line. He deserves the right to start in my eyes, but we have to see if Berhalter thinks the same.
3. Formation change
There’s a chance we could see an attacker move out. Berhalter did so much with Matthew Hoppe at the Gold Cup. But there is also the possibility of switching to a formation with two attackers. Now the team is a bit short on that position and this place would have gone to Tim Weah, but do not be surprised if Berhalter has something up his sleeve. American fans would love to see a shocker and Ricardo Pepi get the start, but don’t count on it. Expect it to be Aarsonson or de la Fuente.