Christian Pulisic has been handed a big boost ahead of his potential return to the field for Chelsea against Borussia Dortmund. The USMNT star was confirmed as being fit to be included in the matchday squad once more, the first time he has been made available since January 5.
The injury picked up early against Manchester City ruled him out of a key sequence of fixtures and now Pulisic is set for a return he has added competition to the squad. Both Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix were new additions to the Champions League squad, making the cut ahead of Benoit Badiashile and Noni Madueke.
Pulisic, who was at risk of being removed from the squad due to his injury, made it through the selection process himself with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being the unfortunate party in this instance. The American has cut his recovery fine, or timed it extremely well, to be back for the reunion with his former club.
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Champions League rules give Pulisic a distinct advantage when it comes to making a competitive appearance once more. Unlike in domestic league games, where there is a limit on the number of substitutes, European fixtures allow for the entire squad to be available on a matchday.
With Pulisic already part of the 25-man squad for the competition he is guaranteed to be on the bench now that he is fit once more, with Graham Potter confirming his inclusion ahead of the game. "Christian Pulisic is in the squad," he made clear.
Also, with Chelsea favouring a front three of Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz in recent weeks it is Mudryk that supplies the nearest and biggest challenge for Pulisic. The Ukrainian winger started the away leg but failed to make much of an impact, he also has two yellow cards in the competition this season, making him a suspension risk for the next European game if he was to pick up another booking.
Pulisic's double advantage here gives him more chance of featuring than he may previously have had after coming back from a medium-term injury. Plus, his relationship with Dortmund, having played for the club for nearly four years, also gives him an extra incentive for the game.
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