Last summer, there were consistent rumors that Christian Pulisic would seek a new home after struggling through years of inconsistent playing time at Chelsea.
The American ultimately remained at Stamford Bridge, and while life under new manager Graham Potter didn’t exactly start any more promising, he eventually worked his way into a consistent role.
After coming on at halftime for 45 minutes against Newcastle in a 1-0 defeat before the World Cup break, Pulisic went on to earn three straight Premier League starts for the Blues against Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, and defending champions Manchester City.
Just when he was starting to get a run of games, it all came crashing down against City, forced off after just 22 minutes with an injury. The Sporting News brings you all the latest updates on Pulisic’s injury, with everything we know about his potential return.
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Christian Pulisic injury latest news
On Wednesday, January 11, Chelsea manager Graham Potter delivered some difficult news, saying that Pulisic was now expected to be sidelined “a couple of months,” without giving any further details. That is marketably worse than previously expected, as Potter had given a more positive update just days prior.
Potter also confirms Christian Pulisic is likely “out for a couple of months” with a knee injury. Real shame having been given starting opportunities post World Cup. pic.twitter.com/pVC8BBGhL0
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 11, 2023
The injury for Christian Pulisic was difficult to diagnose immediately what was wrong, as it was difficult to tell exactly what happened in the tackle by John Stones. After the match, Chelsea head coach Graham Potter stated that the injury came from “contact to his knee,” but did not expand further on his condition or recovery timeline.
Reviewing the footage, it was difficult to see how Pulisic’s knee was injured on the play, as it seemed if anything there would be a painful blow to his ankle or shin. Nothing was terribly evident on video, so it was difficult to diagnose anything by watching the play.
Days later, following Chelsea’s FA Cup defeat to Man City, Potter gave a little more info on Pulisic’s timeline. “Christian opened up his knee in the game the other day, we’re still analyzing it,” he said. “I would say it’s going to be weeks for him.”
That suggested that Pulisic does have soft tissue damage in his knee, but that he has at least avoided anything extremely serious. Still, there is clearly more to be learned as they continue to work on diagnosing his injury.
Next up for Chelsea is a Premier League match on January 12 against Fulham and Pulisic’s USMNT teammate Tim Ream. It seems unlikely that Pulisic will be ready for that quick turnaround no matter the ultimate diagnosis. The Blues then have Premier League games against Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Fulham again, and West Ham before Champions League knockout stage play begins on February 15.
It initially seemed Pulisic would be back in time for Champions League play to resume, but now that may not be the case.
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Christian Pulisic suffers injury for Chelsea vs Man City
The USMNT forward was initially injured against Manchester City on January 5, left in a heap after a quality tackle from John Stones.
There was no malice in the tackle from the Man City defender, who slid to prevent Pulisic from taking a shot after City had turned the ball over to Marc Cucurella.
An excellent block by John Stones to prevent Christian Pulisic from potentially scoring.
📺: @peacock #MyPLMorning | #CHEMCI pic.twitter.com/Z1GivXdHqD
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 5, 2023
Pulisic tried to stay on the field and continue, but it was clear he was unable to move properly and required further treatment. Three minutes after the initial tackle, Pulisic was forced off, grimacing in obvious pain.
After having to sub Raheem Sterling off earlier in the match, Chelsea are being forced to use their second sub window of the match within the first 20 minutes.
This time it’s for Christian Pulisic.
📺: @peacock #MyPLMorning | #CHEMCI pic.twitter.com/dZ3aQWn3RS— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 5, 2023
He was ultimately replaced by England youth international Carney Chukwuemeka in the 22nd minute.
It was the second injury substitution Chelsea were forced to make in the match, after Raheem Sterling was brought off after just five minutes with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. The injury issues for Chelsea are alarming, with Armando Broja, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, N’Golo Kante, and Mason Mount all sidelined at the time of Pulisic’s withdrawal.
After the Man City match, Chelsea boss Graham Potter said of the injury crisis developing at Stamford Bridge, “I have never experienced anything like it. I don’t want to experience it here. It is what it is and I have to deal with it.”