Christian Pulisic has formed Milan’s season with the form of affect that modifications the route of a title race, so when information broke of a brand new drawback simply days after his dramatic derby heroics, suspense crammed Milanello once more. For now, all that’s sure is that Pulisic, the heartbeat of the Rossoneri’s assault, faces a brand new take a look at at a vital second.
The American loved a sensational return from his earlier setback, scoring the winner in opposition to Inter within the Derby della Madonnina, lifting Milan to second place, and persevering with his unimaginable run of kind. However because the membership prepares for Lazio, uncertainty surrounds his availability — a state of affairs that has deepened the intrigue across the workforce’s most influential participant.
Earlier than thriller changed celebration, Pulisic had delivered a efficiency worthy of his rising legend at San Siro. After lacking a month with a hamstring situation, the 27-year-old returned and immediately shifted Milan’s trajectory. He scored the one aim of the derby — his fifth Serie A aim of the season, and the strike that pushed him to seven targets and two assists in ten matches throughout competitions.
His total league affect stays extraordinary: 48 aim contributions for the reason that begin of the 2023-24 marketing campaign, a quantity that ties him with Lautaro Martinez and locations him shoulder-to-shoulder with Italy’s most devastating attackers. It was hardly shocking then that the membership’s victory saved it simply two factors off Roma and entrenched the American on the high of the Serie A scoring charts. Each indication steered momentum — till coaching at Milanello produced a brand new concern.
The hidden twist: The damage behind the headlines
The suspense surrounding Pulisic lastly gave approach halfway via the week: in line with a number of experiences from Italy, Pulisic has suffered a minor muscle damage. Sky Italia‘s phrasing was clear: “a slight muscular situation… not believed to be severe.” However the implications had been equally clear — Milan must decelerate and consider him fastidiously, as soon as once more.
A number of shops specified that he didn’t prepare throughout midweek periods and that the damage had occurred throughout coaching. “The setback may put Pulisic in danger for Saturday’s sport,” wrote Gazzetta dello Sport, emphasizing the necessity for warning, particularly given his latest return from a protracted absence.
He was not alone. Alexis Saelemaekers additionally picked up an issue — “a recurring again situation” — throughout the identical session, elevating issues for each wings forward of Lazio. For now, Milan will assess Pulisic over the following 48 hours, however the tone from reporters on-site was pointed: warning first, availability second.
