United States star Christian Pulisic played down injury concerns after he was hooked at half-time in the World Cup co-hosts’ 4-1 opening win over Paraguay, telling journalists it was just a precaution.

“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today. But I’m hoping I’ll be fine in the next few days,” said Pulisic.

The AC Milan forward is the US team’s talisman, shouldering the weight of a nation’s expectations as they try to make history with a deep run in a World Cup in which all of their games will be played on home soil.

Pulisic was a constant menace in a rampant first half, providing an assist as well as helping create Paraguay’s own goal with a clever one-two with Weston McKennie.

But he was taken off at the half, and later told reporters he had received a knock in “the back of my leg.”

“Sort of my (left) calf area. But I’ve had similar things before… I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.”

Coach Mauricio Pochettino also said the forward was substituted because “we didn’t want to take any risks.”

“He received a kick before today (too) in a training session, we hope it’s not a big issue. When he finished the first half, he could not walk.

“We’re hopeful the next game he’ll be available.”

After the convincing opening win, games ahead for the US include Australia on Friday, and Turkey the following week.

“An incredible start but there’s a lot more that we still have to do,” said Pulisic.

AFP