Quick Read
- Christian Pulisic scored the winning goal in the Milan derby but is now battling a hamstring injury.
- He is unlikely to play in AC Milan’s upcoming match against Lazio, according to manager Massimiliano Allegri.
- Pulisic’s injury also kept him out of recent USMNT fixtures; coach Mauricio Pochettino prioritized his rest for long-term fitness.
- AC Milan are on a 12-match undefeated run and are fighting for the Serie A title.
- Pochettino envisions the USMNT aiming to win the 2026 World Cup, with Pulisic as a central figure.
Christian Pulisic’s Season: Highs, Lows, and the Latest Injury
Christian Pulisic’s journey in the 2025-26 Serie A season has been nothing short of dramatic. Just days after scoring a match-winning goal in the Milan derby—a moment that echoed through San Siro and revived hopes for AC Milan’s first title since 2018—the American star faces a new hurdle: injury. Fox Sports reports that Pulisic, who has been the Rossoneri’s best performer this campaign, may have to sit out the upcoming clash against Lazio due to lingering hamstring concerns.
Pulisic’s impact has been felt in every corner of Milan’s attack. He’s not just a scorer—he’s a catalyst, a player who can tilt the balance in tight matches. With seven goals and two assists across all competitions, his presence has helped propel Milan to second place and put them within reach of the top spot in Serie A. Yet, football’s cruelest irony is that momentum can be interrupted in an instant. Manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed in Thursday’s press conference that Pulisic is “unlikely to play, although there are still two days until the match and anything can happen.” Milan fans are left in suspense, hoping for a last-minute recovery.
AC Milan’s Dilemma: Replacing Their Star
Injuries have been a recurring theme for Milan this season. The squad has been reshuffled time and again, not due to poor form, but because of absences that force tactical improvisation. According to Gazzetta dello Sport via SempreMilan, Allegri faces a selection headache: with both Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez out, who partners Rafael Leao in attack? The options include Christopher Nkunku, whose adaptation has been slow, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, an unconventional choice up front.
The stakes are high. Milan is on a 12-match undefeated streak, and a win against Lazio could put them atop the table. But the absence of Pulisic shifts the tactical landscape. His ability to break lines and create chances is hard to replicate. Allegri must balance risk and reward—should he gamble on a half-fit Pulisic, or trust in depth and hope someone else rises to the occasion?
USMNT’s Calculated Approach: Club vs Country
Pulisic’s injury woes are not just Milan’s concern. They ripple across the Atlantic, affecting the plans of US Men’s National Team manager Mauricio Pochettino. The November international break showcased the delicate tug-of-war between club and country. Pochettino, speaking to Andrés Cantor on Fútbol de Primera, explained that not calling up Pulisic for recent USMNT matches was a deliberate decision. “It was too risky to bring him in now,” Pochettino said. “We allowed him to skip the Gold Cup because he needed rest, and we gave him that rest.”
The USMNT performed admirably without several key players, defeating Paraguay 2-1 and thrashing Uruguay 5-1. These results, achieved with a rotated squad, sparked debates about the best way to manage player availability, especially as the 2026 World Cup looms large. Pochettino emphasized the need for balance: “He played last month, and this month we let him rest because he came off a run of many international matches and UEFA Conference League games, also with his club.”
This philosophy is rooted in long-term planning. With only two friendly windows left before the World Cup, every decision about player workload carries weight. Pulisic’s health is paramount—not just for Milan’s ambitions, but for the US’s hopes on home soil in 2026.
Pulisic’s Role: Expectations and Aspirations
Both Milan and the USMNT see Pulisic as a linchpin for their respective goals. For Milan, his ability to deliver in big matches—like the recent derby win—has reignited dreams of reclaiming the Scudetto. For the US, he is the face of a generation, the player expected to lead the charge as the nation aims higher than ever before.
Pochettino’s ambitions for the USMNT have evolved since his appointment. Initially, he targeted a quarterfinal finish at the World Cup; now, he speaks openly about winning the tournament. “I always said for me is winning it. If you don’t win, what does it matter? Nobody remembers who finished second,” he told Cantor. This bold stance is inspired by stories like Morocco’s run in Qatar, where belief and mentality powered their historic achievement.
Yet, these lofty goals are inextricably linked to the health of stars like Pulisic. The World Cup dream, as Pochettino sees it, requires entering the tournament with every key player at peak fitness. Resting Pulisic now is not just a precaution—it’s a calculated investment in the future.
The Road Ahead: Uncertainty and Opportunity
The coming weeks will test the resolve of both AC Milan and the USMNT. Milan must navigate the remainder of the year without their most influential attacker, at least until he fully recovers. For the US, the challenge is to keep their stars healthy while maintaining competitive momentum in the run-up to 2026.
Pulisic’s situation also underscores a broader issue: the constant balancing act between club and country. Footballers at the top level are pushed to their physical limits, often playing more matches than ever before. The choices managers make—when to rest, when to risk—can define seasons, careers, and even national fortunes.
For fans, the uncertainty is agonizing. Will Pulisic recover in time to help Milan seize the top spot? Will he return for the USMNT at full strength, ready to chase glory on home soil? These questions linger, fueling both hope and anxiety. The only certainty is that every decision now will echo into 2026.
Pulisic’s current injury is a reminder of football’s fragile brilliance: one player’s health can shape the destiny of club and country. Milan and the USMNT are betting on patience and careful management, hoping that when the moment comes, their star will be ready to shine on the biggest stage.