USA attacker Christian Pulisic has confirmed that he did not sustain a testicular injury while scoring the game winning goal in Tuesday’s World Cup 2022 Group B win over Iran.
The Chelsea man scored from close range in a 1-0 victory for the Stars and Stripes, who leapfrogged Iran into second position and secured a spot in the round of 16.
But after scoring for his nation, Pulisic was involved in a collision with Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand, and he laid on the ground while his teammates encircled him.
The 24-year-old was eventually replaced at halftime by Brenden Aaronson, and he was transported to hospital for examinations that evening, during which he posted a positive update from his bed, stating on Snapchat: “So f****** proud of my guys I’ll be ready for Saturday don’t worry.”
Why Is Pulisic In The Hospital?
Pulisic was diagnosed with a “pelvic contusion” after his scans, leading to speculation that the attacker had a problem in a sensitive area.
In Thursday’s press conference, Pulisic put such rumors to rest, assuring reporters, “I didn’t get hit in the balls. I’m all right. It was very painful. That [pelvic] bone is there for a reason to protect you; I hit it well. It was sore, but it’s getting better,” as quoted by The Guardian.
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“I was a bit confused because the teammates around me were worried, I think they were just trying to keep their distance and make sure I was okay. But it didn’t really feel like a celebration, so I was worried about offsides.
“I’m going to go meet now with the team medical staff and make a decision on [training] today, just kind of see how I’m feeling, taking it day by day. Right now I’m doing everything in my power to be able to be out there on the field on Saturday.”
Despite his lack of starts at Chelsea, Pulisic has had a productive World Cup with the USA, contributing one goal and one assist in three Group G games.
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