Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic might have to leave the club in the upcoming January transfer window. Former USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes that injuries are a concern for the USMNT player. 

Pulisic started on the bench for Chelsea against Leicester City on Saturday. He was called in for Kai Havertz in the 62nd minute. Only five minutes later, the American star scored a goal, taking the Blues to 3-0. 

Also read: Will put my life into this job: Xavi ahead of Barcelona coaching debut

Pulisic sustained an ankle injury on international duty in September. He returned to action against Malmo with a 16 minute cameo. The American ten played five more minutes against Burnley before heading to the international break. He has made only four appearances this season in all competitions.

He played in both of the United States’ games during the break, scoring in a 2-0 victory over Mexico. 

‘When your best players are consistently injured, it’s a concern. You want your best players to also be playing consistently with their club teams and you want them free of injury, and he has not been free of injury. That has also stunted his ability to be a regular for Chelsea,” retired Premier League veteran Friedel told Goal. 

Also read: Po, is that you? Player sent off for martial arts-like tackle in WC Qualifiers

Pulisic played a key role in Chelsea’s Champions League winning campaign last season. However, as an attacker, he faces competition from Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi. 

“I don’t think it’s a concern as far as when he is fit and will he be on the team sheet. For the US he will, but it is a concern because you want your best players to be fully fit. The national side is not a day-to-day club team so the people that monitor his fitness are going to be his club team, and that’s Chelsea right now,” Friedel continued. 

Also read: Kim Kardashian West helps fly out Afghan women football players to Britain

‘I’m sure, if you ask Chelsea are his injuries an issue and are they worrying about it, I think – maybe not on the record but definitely off it – they would say “yes, it’s a concern”.

Pulisic joined Chelsea in 2019. After missing three months in his first season, he made 43 appearances in all competitions during his second campaign.