Lucien Favre believes his youthful Borussia Dortmund team took time to grow into their UEFA Champions League clash against Monaco.
DORTMUND, Germany -- Borussia Dortmund midfielder Christian Pulisic will not be able to play for the United States in upcoming friendlies against Colombia and Peru because of injury, sources have told ESPN FC.
Pulisic, who missed Dortmund's Champions League victory against Monaco on Wednesday, may still travel for the friendlies next week if the U.S. requests his presence.
Dortmund said before the game that the midfielder has torn fibers in a calf muscle and will also miss the Bundesliga game against Augsburg on Saturday.
Pulisic missed the friendlies against Brazil and Mexico in September because of an injury and last played for the U.S. against Bolivia in May.
The U.S. will face Colombia on Oct. 11 in Tampa, Florida, and Peru on Oct. 16 in East Hartford, Connecticut.
Meanwhile, coach Lucien Favre said midfielder Jadon Sancho "is OK" and has been cleared to play against Augsburg after leaving the 3-0 win on Wednesday with an injured right thigh.
Sancho, who earned his first call-up for England on Thursday, set up Jacob Bruun Larsen for the opening goal in Dortmund's 3-0 win before being replaced in the 84th minute.
Dortmund, who are still unbeaten in all competitions this season, are looking to maintain their lead in the Bundesliga before the international break.
Zorc said captain Marco Reus, who has scored six goals and has six assists in nine appearances, has played a big part in Dortmund's early success.
"We are happy that he's healthy for a longer period now," Zorc said. "He is not a loudmouth but is simply leading by example on the pitch -- and he can always step up his game in the final 15 minutes. I think it was the right call to make him captain [at the start of this season]."
Source: espn.co.uk