Christian Pulisic Finally Speaks Out About His Latest Shocking USMNT Snub
Christian Pulisic acknowledged that skipping the November international break represents the "optimal choice" for himself, the U.S. men's national team, and AC Milan as he focuses on achieving complete fitness recovery.
The USMNT skipper joins several other American stars who are absent from the Stars and Stripes' concluding camp of the year. Pulisic had been dealing with a hamstring problem since the October international period and only recently returned to action for Milan this past weekend.
Rather than traveling directly to Philadelphia to join Mauricio Pochettino's group, the attacking midfielder remained in Milan to concentrate on complete injury rehabilitation, leaving the USMNT without their top performer for international exhibitions against Paraguay and Uruguay.
There had been persistent rumors of tension between the USMNT and AC Milan regarding Pulisic's condition, but the 27-year-old disclosed that both parties were aligned in prioritizing his wellbeing.
"In discussions with Milan personnel, and also during my departure from the national team, we maintained positive dialogue," Pulisic shared with Kate Scott in an exclusive Paramount+ interview conducted before his club return.
"I haven't returned to play yet, so I don't believe it's appropriate for me to travel there and attempt my comeback matches with the national team when I simply want to ensure I have adequate time to properly care for myself and confirm my hamstring is functioning well while allowing other players to step up.
"Therefore I believe it's simply the optimal decision for all parties at this moment," Pulisic stated.
Gio Reyna is among the players who received an unexpected selection to replace Pulisic. Timmy Tillman also earned a spot on Pochettino's squad after Tyler Adams was compelled to withdraw due to injury.
Pulisic: Attempting to View Recent Injury From an 'Optimistic Angle'
Despite losing time for both Milan and the USMNT, Pulisic refuses to let his hamstring setback dampen his mood, particularly since the problem only kept him out for a relatively brief duration.
"The moment it occurs, it's incredibly frustrating," Pulisic explained. "You experience all those thoughts, 'Why at this time? Everything was progressing so well early in the season.'
"It tends to unfold that way but honestly I have faith in divine timing. I believe it's what's best for me and truthfully, it's not like... it's not the most terrible situation. I was absent for several weeks and now I'm already back, so I'm fortunate it wasn't as severe as it might have been, so I'm attempting to view it from an optimistic angle."
Pulisic was topping Serie A in goals before his short stint on the sidelines. The American talent had accumulated eight goal contributions across all tournaments before being forced into recovery.
Nevertheless, the positive development for the Italian club is that Pulisic will be available to spearhead the Rossoneri against arch-rivals Inter on Sunday, Nov. 23. The Stars and Stripes, however, must manage without their premier playmaker temporarily in hopes of ensuring his complete fitness leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.