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Chelsea star Christian Pulisic faces a race for fitness to feature against Manchester City on Saturday. Frank Lampard could be forced to be without the U.S international for Chelsea's high-profile Premier League clash against City.
According to Premier Injuries, the 21-year-old has a 25 - 50% chance of being fit for the trip up north against Pep Guardiola's men. Pulisic had suffered a hip injury in the game against Crystal Palace before the international break. He was substituted immediately after doubling his side's lead at Stamford Bridge. Lampard confirmed Pulisic's injury in his post-match press conference.
"The only frustration is he comes off with a bit of an injury, which he was going to get subbed off for before his goal," he said. "He's got a bit of a hip issue but I'm hoping it's not too bad because the way he's in full flow at the minute is great to see."
Pulisic was forced to miss the international break with the USA, with coach Gregg Berhalter confirming his absence. He was released from the squad not to aggravate his injury, a decision taken in collaboration with Chelsea over the player's best interests.
"Christian is officially at this stage ruled out. We just got that information. This was a collaborative decision with the club looking after the best interest of the player.These decisions are always difficult because this group and the coaching staff want nothing more than to have Christian here, but it was a risk we weren’t willing to take at this time."
Chelsea will be hoping he will be fit before Saturday's encounter which will be vital for their quest for a top-four spot. Lampard will also be cautious so as not to risk the player if he's not fully fit to add to their injury list. Chelsea have been fortunate enough to come out unscathed from the International break, unlike previous occasions. In the absence of Pulisic, Chelsea does have the likes of Callum Hudson Odoi and Mason Mount to replace him.
