Mauricio Pochettino rests booked United States stars against Turkey
United States manager Mauricio Pochettino will rest four players currently on yellow cards against Turkey in California on Thursday to ensure they are available for the knockout stages.
The national team have already secured top spot in Group D, rendering the fixture against an eliminated Turkey side a dead rubber.
As a result, Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson will begin the match on the bench.
Under tournament rules, single bookings are wiped upon the conclusion of the group stage provided they do not trigger an immediate suspension.
Avoiding unnecessary risks
The Argentine head coach stated it was an easy decision to protect his key personnel ahead of their round of 32 tie on 1 July.
“I think it’s unnecessary to take a risk and then take another yellow card and be not available for the next stage,” Pochettino said.
The former Chelsea boss also expressed concerns that those on bookings might play tentatively to avoid a ban.
“My answer is I need to be sure that the team that is going to play tomorrow, want to eat the grass here in the SoFi and play as if it’s the final of the World Cup,” he added.
Pulisic returns as Tillman nears rest
Christian Pulisic is available for selection after the dynamic winger missed the victory over Australia with a minor calf problem.
Pochettino admitted he has yet to decide whether the talismanic forward will start the match or be utilised as a second-half substitute.
Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Malik Tillman could be granted a rest following a gruelling domestic campaign.
Fringe players such as Sergino Dest and Alex Freeman are expected to feature more prominently to build match fitness.
Roldan remains an injury doubt
Cristian Roldan, initially viewed as a natural replacement for Adams in midfield, remains a major doubt for the fixture.
The veteran midfielder has been unable to train with the main group since last weekend due to a persistent quadriceps issue.
“He has a small issue in his quad, but I think it’s evolving really well,” the national team manager added.
Should Roldan fail a late fitness test, Pochettino will be forced to explore alternative midfield options for the final group match.
