It was meant to be simply one other worldwide pleasant, however for Christian Pulisic, the evening took an unlucky flip. The Milan ahead, recent off a stunning begin to the Serie A season, left the pitch in seen discomfort throughout the United States’ 2-1 victory over Australia. And whereas Mauricio Pochettino later confirmed that Pulisic had suffered a hamstring downside, the uncertainty surrounding its severity has left each membership and nation on edge.
For Milan and the USMNT alike, Pulisic has been indispensable. His type this season has been electrical — six targets and two assists in eight appearances throughout all competitions, together with a current Participant of the Month award in Serie A. It was no shock that Pochettino named him captain within the absence of Tim Ream as america confronted the Socceroos in Denver.
However simply half an hour into the match, issues unraveled. Pulisic, who had already endured a bruising encounter towards Ecuador days earlier, discovered himself on the flawed finish of two heavy challenges from Australian defender Jason Geria. After clutching his ankle within the fifteenth minute, he continued for some time, solely to be taken down once more ten minutes later.
He limped off the sphere and was changed by Diego Luna, leaving followers — and Pochettino — involved. The coach’s response after the match mentioned all of it. “He felt one thing in his hamstring,” Pochettino advised reporters, as quoted by The Athletic. “Tomorrow [Wednesday], he’ll fly to Italy. Tonight we’ll assess, and we are able to’t say something for the time being.”
It wasn’t simply frustration — it was worry. The temperature swing between Austin’s 92°F (33°C) and Denver’s 43°F (6°C), the place the match was performed, had already been a subject of concern for the Argentine coach. “It’s not a criticism, however if you prepare in Austin, the place it’s scorching, after which come to Denver with altitude and it’s very chilly, it’s an enormous danger,” Pochettino added. “We’re very unhappy in regards to the state of affairs. It’s one thing we’ll have to repair sooner or later.”
The incident that modified the sport
Footage from the match confirmed Pulisic stretching for the ball and collapsing moments later, grimacing and clutching his proper leg. Trainers rushed onto the sphere, and regardless of his efforts to face, he was clearly in no situation to proceed.
In response to Calciomercato, the harm appeared to contain his proper hamstring, and whereas checks will decide the precise nature of the injury, the early indicators have left Milan anxious. The winger is due again in Italy for a full medical evaluation at Milanello earlier than the membership’s weekend conflict towards Fiorentina — a match he’s now anticipated to overlook.
Fear at Milanello
Again in Italy, Massimiliano Allegri faces a tactical headache. Pulisic’s harm provides to Milan’s rising listing of absentees, which already consists of Alexis Saelemaekers and Pervis Estupinan. To make issues worse, Rafael Leao has solely simply returned from his personal spell on the sidelines.
Pulisic’s absence might power Allegri right into a reshuffle forward of the Fiorentina match, with Christopher Nkunku more likely to fill the void on the precise wing. The Frenchman, who not too long ago scored for France in a pleasant, may now be handed a full Serie A begin.
“Given how essential Christian has been this season, it’s troublesome to think about Milan with out him,” wrote Sky Italia, including that “for Pulisic, it looks as if a quite critical situation; restoration occasions will likely be identified after the checks.”
