U.S. Men’s National Team attacker Christian Pulisic will not compete in this summer’s Gold Cup as he recovers from a grueling season in Europe.
Pulisic, 26, was left off the roster that was announced Thursday, with U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker issuing an explanation.
“Christian and his team approached the Federation and the coaching staff about the possibility of stepping back this summer, given the amount of matches he has played in the past two years at both the club and international level with very little break,” Crocker said.
“After thoughtful discussions and careful consideration, we made the collective decision that this is the right moment for him to get the rest he needs. The objective is to ensure he’s fully prepared to perform at the highest level next season.”
Pulisic has appeared in 49 matches this season across all competitions for Italy’s AC Milan, with No. 50 on tap in Saturday’s season finale against Monza.
Pulisic also dealt with a chronic hip flexor issue this spring, according to a report by ESPN.
The USMNT won the biennial Concacaf Gold Cup in 2021 and reached the semifinals in 2023.
The Americans open the Gold Cup group stage on June 15 against Trinidad and Tobago, followed by matches with Saudi Arabia (June 19) and Haiti (June 22).
The U.S. is coming off a disappointing performance in the Concacaf Nations League in March, with losses against Canada and Panama.
In addition to Pulisic, the USMNT won’t have Juventus teammates Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah or Gio Reyna of Borussia Dortmund as they will be participating in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The U.S. will tune up for the Gold Cup with friendlies against Turkey on June 7 in East Hartford, Conn., and against Switzerland on June 10 in Nashville, Tenn.
–Field Level Media
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