TEEMU PUKKI NEWS

Returns to bench Pukki (thigh) is on the bench for Saturday's clash with St. Louis.

Impact Pukki is back on the bench after overcoming a thigh issue that ruled him out before the break. The forward hasn't lived up to expectations and MLS, and even when fit likely won't be the starting option.

OCTOBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Rapids Pukki (thigh) is out for Saturday's clash with Colorado, per the MLS injury report.

Impact Pukki isn't an option for Saturday's clash as he deals with a thigh injury. The forward has fallen out of favor in the starting XI in recent weeks in general, and now is dealing with an injury as well. Pukki has made just a single appearance in the last five matches.

SEPTEMBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Scores off bench in loss Pukki scored a goal off his lone shot after coming off the bench during Wednesday's 3-2 loss against D.C, United.

Impact Pukki was brought in the 73rd minute to replace Devin Padelford and left his mark shortly afterwards, beating the goalkeeper with a powerful right-footed finish into the far post to put his side ahead for the first time. That's now two goals over three appearances off the bench for the forward since he returned from his national team duties.

JULY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Strikes as substitute Pukki scored a goal with his lone shot during Sunday's 2-1 loss to LA Galaxy.

Impact Pukki entered the match in the 61st minute and scored Minnesota's lone goal in the 73rd. The goal was the first since March for the forward who returned from a six match absence due to a knee injury during Sunday's match.

JULY 8 • ROTOWIRE

On bench Sunday Pukki (knee) is on the bench for Sunday's match against LA Galaxy.

Impact Pukki will aim to get his first minutes since suffering a considerable knee injury in June, which sidelined him from six game weeks. While he may not be ready for a lengthy appearance yet, the striker could immediately offer value inside the opposition box. However, he hasn't been directly involved in a goal in his last 12 league matches played.

JULY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to return Saturday Pukki (knee) trained Friday and could be available for Saturday's game against the Galaxy, Andy Greder of The St. Paul Pioneer-Press reports.

Impact Pukki suffered a knee injury in mid-June, and the veteran striker seems to be ready to make his return to action, although he's not likely to start right away. The Finland international has netted just two goals across 15 appearances (10 starts) this season.

JULY 5 • ROTOWIRE

Starts rehab Pukki (knee) is back in Minnesota as he starts rehab on the side, per Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press.

Impact Pukki is beginning the first stages of his rehab following his knee injury that was suffered during training. This should give him a timeline of about two weeks minimum, barring any setbacks. For the meantime, Jordan Adebayo-Smith will likely get the call to start in the attack, alongside Sang-Bin Jeong and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Out for three weeks Pukki will be out for the next three weeks after suffering a knee injury, according to manager Eric Ramsey, per MNUFC News.

Impact Pukki is set to miss a decent chunk of time after appearing to have suffered a knee injury in training. This will be a tough loss for the club, as their other starting striker, Tani Oluwaseyi, is out on International duty with Canada, likely forcing Jordan Adebayo-Smith to gain the starts up top. Pukki should be expected to return around the end of June or the start of July, as long as he doesn't encounter any setbacks.

JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE

Returning to Minnesota Pukki is expected back to the team Wednesday ahead of Saturday's trip to Seattle, per Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press.

Impact Pukki linked up with teammate Robin Lod for the international friendlies with Finland. Now that he is back, the forward is expected to get the start for the clash with Seattle. He continues to struggle to find the net as he currently rides a 12 game scoreless streak, recording just two goals in 15 appearances.

JUNE 12 • ROTOWIRE

Called up by Finland Pukki has been called up by the Finnish national team and will be out for Saturday's match against Dallas.

Impact Pukki is set to take place in a pair of friendlies with Finland, leaving him out for the next week. He has been dropped to more of a rotational role lately, so his absence isn't the biggest issue but with Tani Oluwaseyi also on international duty, Jordan Adebayo-Smith will likely get the start. Pukki should be available for the match against Seattle on June 15, although that will depend on when he departs Finland.

JUNE 4 • ROTOWIRE

On bench for Colorado clash Pukki (hip) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Colorado.

Impact Pukki was able to avoid any long term hip issues and is on the bench for the team. In 12 appearances, the forward has started in nine of them. scoring twice on 26 shots (10 on target).

MAY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to be available Pukki (hip) is not on the injury report for Saturday's game against Colorado.

Impact Pukki departed the last game against Portland with an apparent injury, but it seems it was nothing serious, and he should occupy his regular role upfront this weekend. Pukki has netted just two goals this season, however, so his fantasy production hasn't been very good through 12 appearances (nine starts).

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Five shots before exit Pukki was injured and subbed out in the 79th minute of Saturday's 2-1 win versus Portland Timbers. He recorded five shots (one on goal) before exiting the match.

Impact Pukki recorded a season-high five shots Saturday and recorded a secondary assist on Robin Lod's goal in the 65th minute. Unfortunately for him he was unable to finish the match and was subbed off in the 79th minute with an apparent injury, the extent of which is currently unknown.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Quiet in win over SKC Pukki had zero shots during Saturday's 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City.

Impact Pukki returned to the starting XI after coming off the bench for the first time this year but once again had a very disappointing performance, even failing to attempt a single shot, and that led him to be subbed off at halftime. There were a lot of expectations regarding Pukki's performance in his first full MLS campaign but, other than a Mar. 10 brace against Orlando, the forward has been largely unproductive.

APRIL 30 • ROTOWIRE

Quiet performance in loss Pukki recorded two shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 loss versus Philadelphia Union.

Impact Pukki was unable to pick the lock of the Philadelphia Union defense during Minnesota United's 0-2 loss Saturday. In his 70 minutes of play, Pukki managed to create two chances and land one shot attempt on target. Pukki has been selected to the starting XI in each of Minnesota's five matches, but he has yet to remain in any match past the 70th minute mark. Through five matches of the young 2024 campaign, Pukki has scored twice and created four chances.

MARCH 31 • ROTOWIRE

Pukki and Minnesota United host Los Angeles FC

Teemu Pukki leads Minnesota United into a matchup with Los Angeles FC following a two-goal outing against Orlando City

MARCH 15 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Back in goal-scoring form Pukki scored two goals to go with three shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-2 victory versus Orlando City SC.

Impact After going goalless during both of Minnesota United's first games across 2024, Pukki got back on track with a convincing brace Saturday. If his 2023 season is any indication to what comes next, an unimpressive run of form will not stop him from being an effective scorer in front of goal. Despite beginning that year's MLS campaign late, Pukki still logged double digits in goals, with 10 across 14 appearances.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE

Scoreless to open up season Pukki generated two shots (one on target) in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Columbus Crew.

Impact Pukki is still look for his first goal of the season after recording six shots (two on target) during the first two matches of 2024. He recorded 10 goals during his first campaign in MLS, while averaging about 2.7 shots per contest.

MARCH 6 • ROTOWIRE

Bad ending to great season Pukki had one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-1 defeat against Sporting Kansas City.

Impact Pukki's latest appearance marked only the seventh time he did not score in an MLS game across 2023. Across the other seven, he scored 10 goals, finishing with a multi-digit tally despite his late start. Now expected to be an MLS player for a full season in 2024, Pukki's upside is incredibly promising based on his now-proven goal prowess.

OCTOBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Pukki and Minnesota United visit Sporting Kansas City

Teemu Pukki leads Minnesota United into a matchup with Sporting Kansas City following a four-goal outing against the LA Galaxy

OCTOBER 20, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Minnesota United's Teemu Pukki named Player of the Matchday | MLSSoccer.com Teemu Pukki's season-saving, four-goal outburst for Minnesota United FC in Matchday 37 has earned the Finnish striker MLS Player of the Matc...

OCTOBER 9, 2023 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Scores four against LA Galaxy Pukki scored four goals to go with eight shots (five on goal) in Sunday's 5-2 victory over Los Angeles Galaxy.

Impact Pukki scored in the 45th minute assisted by Emanuel Reynoso, in the 60th minute, in the 67th minute assisted by Bongokuhle Hlongwane and in the 76th minute assisted by Franco Fragapane. No player has recorded more goal involvements than Pukki since he joined the club in July. He has already scored 10 goals in total and has now recorded seven goals and one assist in the last five games.

OCTOBER 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Pukki scores four goals, Minnesota United ends Galaxy's playoff hopes with 5-2 victory

Teemu Pukki scored three of his four goals in the second half to propel Minnesota United to a 5-2 victory over Los Angeles, eliminating the Galaxy from playoff contention

OCTOBER 8, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Teemu Pukki could be the answer to Minnesota United's striker search The Loons have had a revolving door of players who were signed to score but came up empty too many times.

OCTOBER 3, 2023 • STARTRIBUNE.COM