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Jeff Carlisle
Multiple Authors
Christian Pulisic, the U.S. international and AC Milan player, was not included in the matchday squad for a Serie A loss against Atalanta on Sunday due to a minor injury.
ESPN sources reported that Pulisic suffered a glute muscle injury during the team’s last training session prior to the game on Friday.
A source familiar with the situation stated that the injury is not considered serious and that Pulisic’s absence was merely “precautionary.” Italian media indicated that he will have medical tests on Monday.
This injury comes at a critical time, with the World Cup just around the corner. U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino is set to announce the final World Cup roster on May 26.
Pulisic, who has not found the net for Milan in a career-worst 17 league matches since December 28, has a history of muscle injuries. According to Transfermarkt, he has faced four muscle injuries this season alone, resulting in a combined absence of 56 days.
Although Pulisic may miss Milan’s upcoming match against Genoa next weekend, he could potentially return for the final game of the season against Cagliari the following week.
His value to the USMNT is undeniable; he is their most dynamic offensive player. Should Pulisic be unable to participate in the World Cup, it would pose a significant setback to the team’s aspirations for a successful tournament.
The USMNT will commence its pre-World Cup training camp in Atlanta on May 27, the day following the roster announcement. They will also play friendly matches against Senegal in Charlotte, NC on May 31, and Germany in Chicago six days later. The U.S. team’s first World Cup match is against Paraguay on June 12.
Gianluca DiMarzio first broke the news regarding Pulisic’s injury.
The 3-2 defeat to Atalanta puts Milan in a precarious position, as they risk missing out on Champions League qualification. Currently, they sit in fourth place but are under pressure from both Roma and Como, who are closely behind with two matches remaining.
Information from The Associated Press was included in this report.