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.
MORE: Projecting USMNT roster & starting lineup for 2026 FIFA World Cup in United States
Christian Pulisic injury latest news
The injury for Christian Pulisic appeared to be an ankle problem, although there has yet to be any official word from Man City and it was difficult to tell exactly what happened in the tackle by John Stones.
Reviewing the footage, it looked as if Stones may have kicked Pulisic in the shin, or maybe Pulisic got his ankle caught under the leg of Stones. Neither was exactly evident on video, but they seem the most likely possibility.
At this point, as the type of injury is unknown, it’s also unclear what kind of timeline Pulisic may face to return to the field. If the problem is a bruise of his shin, he could recover relatively quickly, but if it’s an ankle problem, he could face a longer spell on the sideline.
Next up for Chelsea is a rematch against Manchester City in the FA Cup on Sunday, January 8, and it seems unlikely that Pulisic will be ready for that quick turnaround no matter what his injury ultimately is. Their next Premier League game comes in a week’s time, on January 12 against Fulham and Pulisic’s USMNT teammate Tim Ream.
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.
MORE: Chelsea transfer news & rumors for 2023 January window
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.
He was ultimately replaced by young England 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.
here 
.jpg?itok=-eJE8spC)
