Christian Pulisic is ready to go when the Premier League returns.
The Chelsea winger, who arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer in a £55million switch from Borussia Dortmund, has not played since the 1-1 draw against Brighton on New Year’s Day.
Pulisic, 21, suffered an adductor injury against Graham Potter’s side, and was subsequently sidelined for three months before football’s suspension amid the coronavirus crisis.
During the Premier League’s absence, the US international has been back home in Pennsylvania, working on his fitness as he bids to impress boss Frank Lampard.
He returned to the UK recently and is now ready and raring to play again.
And opening up on his ‘tough and frustrating’ injury, Pulisic – who scored a Premier League hat-trick against Burnley early in his debut campaign – admits it ended up being much more of an issue than had first been thought.
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
“I didn’t take it as seriously as I think I should have,” admitted the American.
“It was one of those you felt you could do a lot of things but you try to push it that one extra step and realise it’s not ready yet.
“It was very tough and frustrating going through times like that. I underestimated it and tried to get back as soon as I could because I just wanted to play so bad.
(Image: Getty Images)
“If anything, I’ve given myself a little more time to rest now and make sure that I’m 100 per cent fit.
“I’d say I’m fully recovered and ready to go as soon as we get back.”
Pulisic arrived in England last summer, moving from the Bundesliga after breaking through with Dortmund.
With veteran wide pair Willian and Pedro increasingly likely to depart Chelsea – both have contracts that expire this summer – Pulisic is seen as the future in west London, under boss Frank Lampard.
“The Premier League is everything I hoped it would be and more,” he continued, speaking to Chelsea’s official website.
“It’s a lot to take in, especially in the first year, with the amount of games and everything that goes on, but I’m getting used to the schedule now.
“It’s one of the most competitive leagues in the world, if not the best, and there are a lot of pressures but I’ve been enjoying the ride so much. I’ve learnt so much in this first year and I’m looking forward to getting back to it.”
