Christian Pulisic is determined be fit for United States' massive game against Netherlands - news that may leave Virgil van Dijk fearing an early World Cup exit.
Pulisic suffered an injury scoring USA's winner in their 1-0 victory against Iran on Tuesday night. He was taken to hospital to assess his knock and USA have confirmed he's suffered a pelvic contusion to make him a doubt for Saturday's last-16 tie against the Dutch.
Pulisic's condition will be assessed on a "day-to-day" basis, but he thinks he'll recover in time. Moments after Gregg Berhalter's side defeated Iran, he posted a picture from his hospital bed and wrote: "So f***** proud of my guys! I'll be ready Saturday don't worry."
The Chelsea star also told his international team-mate Weston McKennie that he will do everything he can to ensure he plays against Netherlands. McKennie said: "I sent him (Pulisic) a text and checked on him, and he said, 'Best believe I'll be ready on Saturday'.
"Obviously we're very thankful that he threw his body there. At the end it was a heart-drop sinking moment, but we got it done and we're excited to still be here.''
News of Pulisic's optimism may send shivers down Van Dijk's spine. The Liverpool defender will have to mark him - just 10 months after he was described as "lazy" by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for failing to stop the pacey forward from scoring in a Premier League game.
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Liverpool stormed to a two-goal lead against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but were pegged back thanks to strikes from Mateo Kovacic and Pulisic. Van Dijk failed to get across and cut out the American's effort and was criticised by Hasselbaink as a result.
"It's lazy, isn't it?" the Chelsea legend told Sky Sports after Liverpool icon Graeme Souness said: "Why has Van Dijk not come across there? He's just running in a straight line back to his goal. Come over, come over, come over - he's not even sprinting."
Netherlands captain Van Dijk will be aware of USA's threat. Louis van Gaal's side are fancied to win Saturday's game at the Khalifa International Stadium, but they aren't overwhelming favourites. USA have enjoyed a good start to their campaign in Qatar.
They were unlucky not to beat Wales in their tournament opener and held England to a goalless draw in their second fixture. The latter result is looking increasingly impressive after the Three Lions hammered Iran 6-2 and Wales 3-0 in their other games.
Netherlands, meanwhile, are under a bit of pressure after scoring just five goals in their three group games against Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador. Van Gaal had an altercation with a reporter who said watching the Dutch was like "grinding teeth".
"I think you have a different perspective to me, why don’t you write down, 'It’s terribly boring?'," said Van Gaal. "If you think it’s boring, why don’t you go home?
"Well, that’s disappointing, I think, but I don’t agree with you. I think everyone would be rather proud we’re progressing to the next round and I think people know why you’re asking these questions. I don’t think things are as bad as you say.''
