A “problematic” hamstring injury will likely keep Christian Pulisic out of Chelsea’s game Saturday. (FrontRowSoccer.com Photo)

By Michael Lewis

FrontRowSoccer.com Editor

Calling the injury “problematic,” Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said Thursday that Christian Pulisic was doubtful for his English Premier League game at Newcastle United Saturday.

Pulisic, who joined the U.S. men’s national team camp before the team’s international friendly in Wales last week, did not play in the match because he is recovering from a hamstring injury.

Lampard said that Pulisic, who is working out, probably won’t bit fit for Saturday.

“Christian Pulisic is not fit for Newcastle but he’s stepped up his training slowly,” Lampard said during a video media conference. “It’s been quite a problematic injury, so we’ll stay cautious.

“We had a history before coming to us of some muscular injuries. Everything about how he prepares is perfect, so we need to find the right balance between playing, resting and maintenance during the week to get the best out of him. He’s a young player still. It’s not abnormal and we will find a solution.”

Pulisic, 22, tweaked a hamstring during warm-ups prior to Chelsea’s match at Burnley Oct. 31 and pulled himself out of the lineup. He has missed the Blues’ last two matches.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.