The timing couldn’t have been worse. Milan’s prime goalscorer, Christian Pulisic, contemporary from a blistering begin to the season, finds himself sidelined once more — and this time, the outlook seems bleak. Through the current worldwide break, the American ahead sustained a hamstring damage whereas representing the United States beneath Mauricio Pochettino, slicing quick a promising worldwide window and sending shockwaves by Milanello.
Now, Milan waits. The membership has confirmed that Pulisic’s medical checks have been delayed because of his late return from the U.S., forcing anxious endurance from followers and workers alike. But, even earlier than the official prognosis, the implications are already clear: the Serie A big is bracing for a tough interval with out its most decisive participant. What makes this absence particularly regarding isn’t simply the lack of targets and management — however historical past itself. As current data present, Milan’s Serie A performances with out Pulisic have not often ended properly.
This worldwide break has been nothing wanting disastrous for Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan, with accidents piling up throughout key positions. Alexis Saelemaekers, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan, and Rafael Leao have all returned from nationwide obligation with health considerations, leaving Allegri scrambling to rebuild a functioning assault forward of the upcoming conflict with Fiorentina.
Nevertheless, on the subject of the American, the tone of the most recent reviews left little room for optimism, with a number of Italian retailers hinting at a potential month-long absence if scans verify a big muscle downside. Sky Italia echoed that worry, stating, “For Pulisic, it looks as if a moderately critical situation; restoration instances might be recognized after the checks.”
Pulisic’s untimely exit within the pleasant towards Australia — after simply half-hour on the pitch — compounded frustration inside the Milan camp. Along with his ankle already troubling him earlier than the break, the choice to begin him in a low-stakes match has sparked criticism towards Pochettino and the U.S. workers, who, in Milan’s view, unnecessarily risked the participant’s health.
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Membership vs. nation tensions rise between Milan, USMNT, and Mauricio Pochettino over Christian Pulisic’s damage: When will Serie A aspect be taught star’s prognosis?
The file that worries Milan
With Pulisic out, Allegri should as soon as once more reimagine his assault. The Italian boss is contemplating a number of tactical reshuffles, with Christopher Nkunku at the moment main the race to begin towards Fiorentina. The Frenchman’s full of life worldwide performances have impressed Milan’s workers, and his work charge might give him an edge over Rafael Leao, who continues to be recovering from a calf damage.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring to present the aspect a 3-0 lead throughout the Coppa Italia.
However right here lies the actual trigger for concern — the one statistic that makes the 27-year-old ahead’s absence really feel heavier than most. La Gazzetta dello Sport revealed that Milan’s Serie A file with out Pulisic reads only one win, three attracts, and two losses in six matches. The lone victory got here towards Verona final season, whereas the opposite 5 video games uncovered the Rossoneri’s overreliance on the American’s power and aim menace.
That file paints a grim image. His six targets and two assists this marketing campaign haven’t solely made him Milan’s prime scorer but additionally an emblem of the crew’s attacking fluidity. With out him, the Rossoneri have struggled for rhythm, width, and directness — three pillars that outline Allegri’s system.
