USA hero Christian Pulisic confident he'll face the Netherlands after sustaining a pelvic injury while firing his country into the last 16 of the World Cup #USMNT

ALL FINE 

USA hero Christian Pulisic sends message from hospital bed after suffering injury while scoring World Cup winner against Iran as Chelsea star vows to be fit for Netherlands clash in last-16

Christian Pulisic sent a message from his hospital bed after being forced off with an injury picked up as he scored the winner in USA’s crucial 1-0 victory over Iran.

The Chelsea star vowed to be fit for the last-16 clash against the Netherlands after hurting himself while scoring the goal which sent his nation through to knockout stages of the World Cup.

Pulisic was left laid out on the floor after netting for the USA

The winger was the man to sweep home from close range towards the end of the first half after some fine work from Weston McKennie and Sergio Dest.

With a ball played into the penalty area, Pulisic slammed home from the goal mouth but was clattered by Alireza Beiranvand in the process.

As a result, he lay on the floor in the back of the net as his teammates celebrated, before the USA medical team came on to treat him.

The 24-year-old was held by two physios as he eventually made his way back to his feet, leading to concern that he had done himself some serious damage.

Pulisic was able to rally and made his way back into the pitch to help his teammates for the rest of the half, despite looking less-than comfortable.

However, his recovery was short-lived and he was brought off at the half-time break and replaced by Leeds star Brendan Aaronson.

He was helped back to his feet, but clearly look shaken and in some pain

As it turned out, Pulisic was sent to hospital and watched the team get over the line from his bed.

The Chelsea star posted a message on Instagram allaying any fears he will miss the knockout clash with the Netherlands on Saturday.

He said: “So f****** proud of my guys I’ll be ready for Saturday don’t worry.”

His team later tweeted to say the player had been diagnosed with a pelvic contusion and would be assessed “day-to-day”.

USA coach Gregg Berhalter had no news on the severity of the injury immediately after the match but heaped praise on his key man.

“No update (on his fitness), but it is a wonderful thing when one of your best players is one of the hardest working,” said Berhalter. “And he is certainly that.