Christian Pulisic is sidelined with a hamstring injury. The AC Milan forward faces a race against time to return. This news comes after his pivotal role in the Milan derby just days ago. His absence creates immediate problems for his club and raises long-term questions for the U.S. Men’s National Team.
AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed the situation. He stated Pulisic is unlikely to feature in the crucial Serie A match against Lazio. This setback interrupts a stellar season for the American star. He has been central to Milan’s push for a first league title since 2018.
Milan’s Title Challenge Hits a Major Speed Bump
Pulisic’s impact this season has been immense. He has delivered seven goals and two assists across all competitions. His match-winning goal against Inter Milan was a season highlight. That victory kept Milan’s title hopes fiercely alive.
Now, the team must find a way forward without him. According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Allegri has limited attacking options. Key striker Santiago Gimenez is also injured. This forces a tactical reshuffle for a team on a 12-match unbeaten run.
The timing could not be worse. A win against Lazio could propel Milan to the top of the table. The club’s medical staff is working around the clock. They hope for a quicker-than-expected recovery for their key man.
USMNT’s Calculated Rest Strategy for 2026 World Cup
This injury also directly impacts the USMNT. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has been carefully managing Pulisic’s workload. He made the deliberate choice to rest Pulisic during the recent November international window. Pochettino explained this decision was about long-term planning.
“We allowed him to skip the Gold Cup because he needed rest,” Pochettino told Fútbol de Primera. “He played last month, and this month we let him rest.” The coach emphasized that with the 2026 World Cup approaching, player health is the absolute priority. The USMNT still secured strong wins over Paraguay and Uruguay without several stars.
Pochettino’s ambition for the home World Cup is clear. He has publicly stated the goal is to win the tournament, not just compete. Reaching that pinnacle requires a fit and firing Christian Pulisic. Every decision now is made with 2026 in mind.
Info at your fingertips
How long will Christian Pulisic be out with his hamstring injury?
An exact timeline has not been provided. AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri stated he is “unlikely” to play against Lazio. Hamstring issues can vary from minor strains to more significant tears, requiring weeks of recovery.
Who will replace Pulisic in the AC Milan lineup?
Manager Allegri may turn to Christopher Nkunku or use midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek in a more advanced role. The absence of striker Santiago Gimenez complicates the selection further, forcing a tactical adjustment.
Will this injury affect Pulisic’s role with the USMNT?
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has already been resting Pulisic strategically. This injury validates that cautious approach. The primary focus for both club and country is ensuring his full fitness for the 2026 World Cup.
What are AC Milan’s title chances without Pulisic?
Milan remains in a strong position, currently second and on a long unbeaten run. However, losing their most in-form attacker is a significant blow in a tight title race against rivals Inter Milan.
Why did Pochettino rest Pulisic for the USMNT recently?
It was a preventative measure based on Pulisic’s heavy workload. Pochettino cited consecutive matches for club and country, including UEFA Conference League games, as the reason for giving the player a necessary break.
জুমবাংলা নিউজ সবার আগে পেতে Follow করুন জুমবাংলা গুগল নিউজ, জুমবাংলা টুইটার , জুমবাংলা ফেসবুক, জুমবাংলা টেলিগ্রাম এবং সাবস্ক্রাইব করুন জুমবাংলা ইউটিউব চ্যানেলে।
