Christian Pulisic's fitness has dominated the headlines since the United States sealed passage to the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Forced off after scoring the winner in Wednesday's key 1-0 victory over Iran, the 24-year-old was later diagnosed with a "pelvic injury" that made him an initial doubt to face the Netherlands.
He has since been forced to deny suggestions that the wording used was code for a blow to a more sensitive area but, regardless of the details, the news on his recovery is good.
The USMNT's official Twitter account confirmed on Friday that their talisman will be ready to take on Louis van Gaal's men.
UPDATE: Christian Pulisic has been cleared to play in tomorrow’s match versus Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/ANg2baaJez
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) December 2, 2022
However, Pulisic is not the only injury concern the US are contending with — find out more in our look at how they could line up against the Dutch below.
USA predicted lineup vs Netherlands for Round of 16
(4-3-3, right to left): 1. Turner (GK) — 2. Dest, 20. Carter-Vickers, 13. Ream, 5. Robinson — 6. Musah 4. Adams, 8. McKennie — 21. Weah, 7. Reyna, 10. Pulisic.
- Injured: Josh Sargent (ankle)
- Suspended: None
Along with Pulisic being available, there is also optimism over Weston Mckennie as he battles a quad issue.
However, Josh Sargent looks a potential absentee with an ankle injury, a blow that could perhaps provide an opportunity for Gio Reyna to make his first start of the tournament.
MORE: How to watch USMNT vs Netherlands at 2022 World Cup
USA World Cup squad
Here are the 26 names on USA's World Cup squad in Qatar (Caps correct as of start of Qatar 2022):
| Position | No. | Player | Club | Age | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | 12 | Ethan Horvath | Luton Town (ENG) | 27 | 8 |
| GK | 25 | Sean Johnson | NYCFC (USA) | 33 | 10 |
| GK | 1 | Matt Turner | Arsenal (ENG) | 28 | 18 |
| DEF | 13 | Tim Ream | Fulham (ENG) | 35 | 46 |
| DEF | 20 | Cameron Carter-Vickers | Celtic (SCO) | 24 | 10 |
| DEF | 2 | Sergino Dest | AC Milan (ITA) | 21 | 17 |
| DEF | 15 | Aaron Long | NY Red Bulls (USA) | 30 | 29 |
| DEF | 18 | Shaq Moore | Nashville SC (USA) | 26 | 15 |
| DEF | 5 | Antonee Robinson | Fulham (ENG) | 25 | 28 |
| DEF | 26 | Joe Scally | Gladbach (GER) | 19 | 2 |
| DEF | 22 | DeAndre Yedlin | Inter Miami (USA) | 29 | 74 |
| DEF | 3 | Walker Zimmerman | Nashville SC (USA) | 29 | 31 |
| MID | 23 | Kellyn Acosta | LAFC (USA) | 27 | 52 |
| MID | 4 | Tyler Adams | Leeds United (ENG) | 23 | 19 |
| MID | 8 | Weston McKennie | Juventus (ITA) | 24 | 34 |
| MID | 6 | Yunus Musah | Valencia (SPA) | 19 | 18 |
| MID | 17 | Cristian Roldan | Seattle Sonders (USA) | 27 | 32 |
| MID | 14 | Luca de la Torre | Celta Vigo (SPA) | 24 | 12 |
| FWD | 11 | Brenden Aaronson | Leeds United (ENG) | 21 | 21 |
| FWD | 7 | Gio Reyna | Borussia Dortmund (GER) | 19 | 11 |
| FWD | 9 | Jesus Ferreira | FC Dallas (USA) | 21 | 12 |
| FWD | 16 | Jordan Morris | Seattle Sounders (USA) | 27 | 47 |
| FWD | 19 | Haji Wright | Antalyaspor (TUR) | 24 | 3 |
| FWD | 10 | Christian Pulisic | Chelsea (ENG) | 24 | 50 |
| FWD | 24 | Josh Sargent | Norwich City (ENG) | 22 | 19 |
| FWD | 21 | Timothy Weah | LOSC Lille (FRA) | 22 | 24 |