AC Milan and United States forward Christian Pulisic limped off with an injury in the first half of the USMNT’s friendly match against Australia. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Pulisic was taken off due to a hamstring issue, causing concern for the Serie A side and coach Massimiliano Allegri with another star added to their growing injury list.
Milan’s new addition to the injury list
Pulisic was substituted in the 30th minute for Diego Luna due to a hamstring injury. The AC Milan forward joins Pervis Estupinan and Alexis Saelemaekers, who could also miss Milan’s upcoming Serie A clash against Fiorentina on Sunday due to injury. Earlier this week, Milan star Rafael Leao was sent back from the Portuguese national team camp due to a lack of match fitness, having just come back from an injury he suffered in the first competitive match of the season.
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport Pochettino’s confirmation of Pulisic’s injury
Following the 2-1 victory for the United States, sealed thanks to a double from Haji Wright, Pochettino confirmed Pulisic's injury, telling reporters: "He felt something in his hamstring."
He then added: "He'll fly to Italy tomorrow. We'll evaluate it this evening. We can't say anything at this time."
Pulisic's importance to Milan
Pulisic has carried last season's sensational form into the current campaign, scoring six goals and providing two assists in all competitions. He is currently the joint top scorer in Serie A and a vital cog in Allegri's side. They are third in Serie A and two points off reigning champions Napoli and new challengers Roma.
Getty ImagesMilan’s hope and their replacements
Milan will hope that Pulisic's injury is minor and that he can recover quickly. Meanwhile, coach Allegri will be hoping that Milan’s other forwards, Santiago Gimenez and Christopher Nkunku, can step up to fill the gap left by Pulisic and Leao. With five wins and a draw from their last six matches, the Rossoneri will be hopeful of securing another victory despite their depleted squad when they come up against former coach Stefano Pioli and his Fiorentina side at San Siro on Sunday.