Full Breakdown
AC Milan's Frustration Over Christian Pulisic's Injury
10/17/2025, 8:16:52 AM
Overview of the Incident
AC Milan is expressing significant frustration with U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino following the injury of star forward Christian Pulisic during an international friendly against Australia. Pulisic, who had been performing exceptionally well for Milan, suffered a hamstring injury just 26 minutes into the match, raising concerns about his fitness and availability for upcoming Serie A fixtures.
Background on Pulisic's Performance
Before the injury, Pulisic had established himself as a key player for AC Milan, contributing six goals and two assists in just eight matches this season. His performance earned him the Serie A Player of the Month award for September. However, he had been dealing with an ankle issue that originated during preseason, which limited his playtime in the previous friendly against Ecuador, where he only appeared as a substitute.
Milan's Concerns and Pochettino's Decisions
Reports indicate that AC Milan is particularly upset with Pochettino's decision to start Pulisic against Australia despite his ongoing ankle concerns. Milan officials believe that risking Pulisic in a friendly match was unwarranted, especially given the potential consequences for their season. Initial assessments suggest that Pulisic could be sidelined for three to four weeks, which would exclude him from crucial matches against Fiorentina, Pisa, Atalanta, Roma, and Parma.
Official Statements & Responses
Pochettino acknowledged the challenges posed by the change in climate and altitude between the U.S. matches, suggesting that these factors may have contributed to Pulisic's injury. He stated, “I think it was really tough for the player... the altitude can affect [things].” Meanwhile, AC Milan's management has not publicly commented on the situation but is reportedly furious about the handling of their player.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that Pochettino's decision to start Pulisic was reckless, especially considering the player's recent injury history. The sentiment among Milan fans and officials is that international friendlies should not jeopardize the fitness of key players, particularly when they are already managing injuries.
What's Next for Pulisic and AC Milan
Pulisic is set to undergo further evaluations in Italy to determine the full extent of his injury. The club hopes to have him back in time for the derby match against Inter Milan on November 23, following the next international break. Meanwhile, AC Milan continues to compete in Serie A, currently sitting third in the league standings, two points behind AS Roma and defending champions Napoli.
Verbatim Quotes
In summary, the situation surrounding Christian Pulisic's injury has sparked significant discontent within AC Milan, highlighting the tensions that can arise between club and national team commitments.
