CHRISTIAN PULISIC is likely to be out for Chelsea’s huge clash with Manchester City on Saturday.
The American stayed in London over the international break in an attempt to recover from a hip injury he picked up in the 2-0 win over Palace.
The news could come as a big blow for boss Frank Lampard with the 21-year-old hitting a rich vein of form.
Pulisic introduced himself to the Premier League when he hit a hat-trick in a 4-2 away win at Burnley.
He then followed it up with goals against Watford and Crystal Palace to take his tally to five in just six league starts.
Ahead of USA’s fixtures against Canada and Cuba, manager Gregg Berhalter said: “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 werent willing to take at this time.”
Defender Antonio Rudiger is also set to miss out as he continues his recovery from an operation.
Ross Barkley will also face a late fitness test after he was forced to miss the international break with an ankle injury.
Lampard will have a big decision to make who he plays at right-back.
Reece James came in for his first Premier League start in their last outing but the boss may want to go with Azpilicueta for his experience.
Chelsea head into the clash one point above rivals City following an impressive run of form.
They have won their last six league matches in a row while Man City are coming in off the back of a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool.
