Chelsea team news: Christian Pulisic is recalled by Graham Potter for their game at Man City

Christian Pulisic ws back in Chelsea‘s starting lineup for their penultimate game before the World Cup break – but failed to make a decisive impact in their defeat away at Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

Pulisic had been benched by manager Graham Potter for Chelsea’s last two matches, a win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League followed by their toothless home defeat by Arsenal in the Premier League.

But the 24-year-old winger returned to a much-changed starting XI in a forward line that also includes Hakim Ziyech and Armando Broja. Potter made seven changes from the team that lost against Arsenal.

Chelsea’s ‘Captain America’ missed a first-half chance from a Ziyech pass and then created an opening of his own with a 40-yard run before his shot was saved. Chelsea were shutout as City scored twice in five second-half minutes to win. 

Christian Pulisic was back in Chelsea’s starting lineup, against Man City in the Carabao Cup

Pulisic was a substitute during Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League home defeat by leaders Arsenal

This week, former US goalkeeper Kasey Keller told Pulisic he should consider taking a paycut and leaving Chelsea to progress his career.

‘I think part of the issue for Christian Pulisic initially was injuries. It’s been two steps forward, two back,’ Keller said.

He’d really establish himself, and then he’d get injured. I never have a problem with a player looking for more playing time.

‘I understand there is potentially less salary out there than Chelsea, but there’s also a part of you that says you have a finite amount of time.’

Keller added: ‘What I’d love to see Pulisic do is win a starting spot at Chelsea, honestly that’s what I’d love more than anything but there is a point where he needs to decide what’s more important.’