Christian Pulisic's Injury Crisis Rocks AC Milan and Leaves USMNT in Jeopardy
Uncertainty clouds Christian Pulisic's availability for AC Milan's forthcoming Coppa Italia encounter against Lazio following the USMNT skipper's return to the injury list over the weekend.
The 27-year-old was omitted from Massimiliano Allegri's lineup for the Rossoneri's Serie A meeting with Lazio on Saturday following a minor muscular problem sustained during practice. Milan secured a 1–0 victory courtesy of Rafael Leão's decisive strike, though Pulisic's absence dampened the mood.
With another journey to Rome scheduled in merely three days for the Italian powerhouse, Allegri faces uncertainty regarding his squad's top scorer's condition. Milan's encounter with Lazio—now in the Coppa Italia format—on Thursday night presents an even greater obstacle if Pulisic remains unavailable once more.
The American talent had recently recovered from a hamstring problem sustained during October's international duty that sidelined him for almost four weeks. Pulisic celebrated his first starting appearance in seven weeks by netting the decisive goal in the Derby della Madonnina on Nov. 23.
However, the exciting comeback appears to have been brief, with Pulisic now receiving medical attention again. This injury setback couldn't come at a worse time for the Rossoneri during their pursuit of Italian glory; Milan currently leads the Serie A table, tied on points with title holders Napoli.
Mauricio Pochettino Anxiously Awaits Pulisic Update
While the USMNT won't compete again until March's international period, Mauricio Pochettino shares Allegri's concern for news regarding Pulisic's condition.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup merely seven months distant, the health of the Stars and Stripes' premier talent remains paramount. Should the USMNT aspire to achieve success across the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer, their key player must be completely healthy and performing at peak level.
Pulisic has already recorded 10 goal contributions across 14 matches for both club and national team this campaign. The attacker has even topped the Serie A Golden Boot standings despite his restricted playing time.
Should Pulisic continue experiencing these physical issues, however, he faces the risk of a more serious long-term problem that could prove catastrophic for both Milan and the USMNT.