Christian Pulisic was a surprise exclusion from the U.S. men’s national team starting lineup to face Ecuador in an international friendly.
The USMNT and AC Milan superstar was dealing with ankle pain, per Doug McIntyre. Also missing from the starting lineup was Fulham defender Antonee Robinson, though the reason for his absence was not confirmed. Also out was Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas.
Pulisic was, however, listed as a substitute, unlike his two aforementioned teammates. While USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino could have played it safe and fully rested him, Pulisic was brought on in the second half for the final 15 minutes.
“I need to communicate that we have some issues in some players, like Christian [Pulisic], who didn’t train today, we need to assess tomorrow [if] they can be available or not,” the head coach said earlier in the week.
