Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a low-grade hamstring injury, AC Milan confirmed on Friday, forcing the U.S. forward to miss at least their next Serie A match.
The injury occurred during a friendly match between the U.S. men’s national team and Australia. Pulisic was substituted before the 30-minute mark after Australian defender Jason Geria clipped his heel from behind, leaving Pulisic in pain and prompting his early exit.
Upon returning to Milan, the club subjected him to an MRI, which confirmed a low-grade tear in his right hamstring. AC Milan said they will reassess his condition in about ten days to determine a more precise timeline for return.
As a result of the injury, Pulisic will be sidelined for the coming fixtures, missing the home game against Fiorentina and likely others in the short term.
This setback is particularly untimely given Pulisic’s strong start to the season. He shares the lead for Serie A’s top scorer with Bologna’s Riccardo Orsolini, each having netted four goals.
Beyond club implications, the injury also raises concerns for the U.S. national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming. Pulisic is expected to be a central figure for the host nation’s campaign, and any extended absence could hamper their preparations and lineup options.
Some reports suggest that Pulisic could be out for up to three weeks, meaning he could miss multiple matches. AC Milan, though, have been cautious, offering no definitive return date and emphasizing recovery and monitoring.
One contentious point is the timing of the injury during national team duty. Milan’s management reportedly expressed displeasure over Pulisic’s involvement in the friendly, given his importance to their campaign and the risk of injury.
In the weeks ahead, Milan will have to manage without one of their key attackers, adjusting tactics and personnel. For Pulisic, careful rehabilitation will be critical to ensure he returns fully fit rather than risking a recurrence.
