AC Milan striker Christian Pulisic is one of five players rested from the United States national team ahead of Tuesday’s friendly in Mexico, US Soccer announced on Sunday. Pulisic brought up the first American goal in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Panama in Austin, Texas, which marked the triumphant debut of new US coach Mauricio Pochettino of Argentina. Pulisic, 26, was released back to AC Milan on Sunday after playing a significant amount of minutes for both his Italian club and the US team in the previous month.
Marlon Fossey, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, and Zack Steffen all sustained minor injuries and were returned to their respective clubs for further evaluation and treatment. Texas, which marked the victorious debut of new US coach Mauricio Pochettino of Argentina.
“As we have said, we are always going to make decisions that are in the best interest of our players and respect the relationship we have with their clubs,” says Pochettino. There will be no additions to the US team before Tuesday’s encounter against archrival Mexico in Guadalajara Marlon Fossey, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, and Zack Steffen had minor injuries and were returned.