The English Premier League is back underway, but US men's national team and Chelsea fans will have to wait to get their first glimpse of Christian Pulisic in his new No. 10 kit.
The 21-year-old attacker was left out of the 18 for Chelsea's match against Brighton & Hove Albion as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury he suffered on August 1 in the FA Cup Final against Arsenal.
Manager Frank Lampard said that both Pulisic and injured teammate Cesar Azpilicueta took part in training throughout the week but weren't quite ready to rejoin the starting XI. Azpilicueta was on the bench for Monday's match.
“I am very happy to have them both back,” Lampard told reporters at this pre-match press conference. "They both trained since yesterday, their first day fully training with the team. They are in contention for Monday.
“I have to be careful. I have a squad to pick from, but the way they are training and the attitude they have come back with looks like they are over those injuries."
It didn't wind up hurting Chelsea on Monday, as they topped Brighton 3-1, but Pulisic's debut can't come soon enough for US fans who are eager to see what he can do as a follow-up to his breakout EPL campaign of last season. Pulisic also missed some time with injury in his last campaign, but emerged as a full-on force down the stretch, giving plenty of intrigue to what's in store of his encore as he works his way back to full health.
