Christian Pulisic will be hoping to lead the USMNT into the knockout stages of the World Cup in Qatar which gets underway in just two weeks' time.
The Chelsea winger will be lining up for Gregg Berhalter's side in Qatar as they hope to progress from the group of death which also includes England, Wales and Iran. However, he enters into the tournament without being first choice at Chelsea under manager Graham Potter and the media in the US are now highlighting the potential issue ahead of the tournament.
The 24-year-old has managed just 474 minutes of action for the Blues this season, with his role under Potter appearing to be that of a utility substitute. Pulisic played as a right-wing-back twice as a deputy for injured England star Reece James last month and is struggling to nail down a consistent role.
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He is among a host of USMNT players who are currently not first choice at their respective clubs, with midfielder Weston McKennie and goalkeeper Matt Turner struggling to establish themselves at Juventus and Arsenal respectively.
New York Times sports writer Andrew Das has highlighted the issue, explaining: "The current state of affairs, though, is not just a Pulisic problem. It is unclear what his infrequent appearances could mean later this month for his national team, which plays its first match in the World Cup two weeks from Monday. Pulisic has started only three Premier League games for Chelsea this season, and only two in the last nine weeks. He has scored only one goal.
The former Borussia Dortmund player was not selected in Chelsea's starting line-up for the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at the weekend and came on as a substitute with just 12 minutes to go.
"That is not what anyone would describe as an ideal situation for a player who sees himself as a difference-maker, nor is it the perfect recipe for sharpness ahead of the biggest tournament of his life. But his uncertain status is also not that unusual for a United States team wrestling with more than a few unknowns."
However, what is highlighted is the high level of training which Pulisic can enjoy at Chelsea, with Potter's side boasting a host of world class players. This is more than many of the USMNT stars can say, with many plying their trade in the MLS and some of Europe's more minor leagues.
He added: "Pulisic, then, may be more fortunate than the rest. He is not injured. He has played in high-stakes games before. He gets high-level training every week at Chelsea. And Potter has not forgotten him completely: He gave him a start in a Champions League game two weeks ago, and rewarded him days later with another one in a loss at Brighton."
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