Christian Pulisic was confident his third season at Chelsea was going to be different, that the injuries that had disrupted his previous two campaigns would not be repeated.
"This year is my first real full pre-season at Chelsea and it’s just given me a good chance to get my full fitness and for me to get 100% fit and ready to play 90 minutes once the season begins," the American star explained in an interview for Chelsea's website in the summer.
"That’s the aim for me, just trying to get my body in a good place where I can be available as much as possible this season. Hitting the ground running at the start of the season is the goal, of course. It’s nice to be able to have a full pre-season this time and get nice and fit and be 100% ready in time for the start of the season."
Pulisic was as good as his word. He was available and started the UEFA Super Cup win against Villarreal in Belfast. Three days later, he was in the side and on the scoresheet as Chelsea began their Premier League season with a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Then, misfortune. Ahead of an open training session at Stamford Bridge, Pulisic discovered he had tested positive for Covid-19 and had to self-isolate for ten days. The 23-year-old, who is vaccinated, missed the games against Arsenal and Liverpool as a result.
He was able to join up with the USMNT for the previous round of international fixtures. Yet during a win over Honduras, he suffered an ankle injury and has been ruled out for the past four weeks.
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