Pulisic sidelined for USMNT World Cup match vs. Australia due to calf injury

United States star Christian Pulisic is out of their World Cup clash with Australia due to a calf injury, with Ricardo Pepi starting in his place.

Pulisic's status has been up in the air all week after coming off at halftime against Paraguay , and the AC Milan forward has been limited in training since. Just before the lineups were announced, manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed his absence -- but that he is heading in the right direction.

"Christian is not available," Pochettino said.

"The evolution is really well. Today he was training in the morning in the training camp. I think the feelings are good, I hope as soon as possible he will be ready to play again and be part of the team."

Pochettino's side are aiming to maintain a 100% record in Group D after beating Paraguay 4-1 in a raucous opener in Los Angeles, and face Australia in Seattle on Friday. Australia started with a 2-0 win over Türkiye .

_Originally reported by [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49118064/christian-pulisic-calf-usmnt-world-cup-clash-australia)._