Milan Puts the Brakes on the USMNT: They Don’t Want to Risk Pulisic

AC Milan has taken a firm stance: Christian Pulisic should not travel with the United States national team during the next international break. According to reports from Italy, the club sent an official request to Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the USMNT, asking him to leave the winger out of the squad so he can complete his recovery at Milanello.

The reason is simple: Pulisic is in the final stage of recovery from a right hamstring injury sustained during a friendly against Australia. While his progress has been encouraging, Milan’s technical staff doesn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. The goal is to have him at 100% fitness for the Derby della Madonnina against Inter, a match that could shape the title race in Serie A.

Sources close to the club claim that Massimiliano Allegri sees Pulisic as a vital piece in his attacking system. The coach hopes to pair him with Rafael Leão, something he hasn’t been able to do this season due to the constant injury setbacks both players have faced.

Pulisic Speeds Up Recovery

Pulisic himself reassured fans through his social media:

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks, but recovery is going really well. I'm hungry to get back out.”

The American forward could return for the match against Roma, although it’s more likely that the medical staff will save him for the clash against Parma, right before the international break. Allegri made it clear:

“Absolutely not against Roma. We hope to have him on the bench versus Parma.”

Milan currently sits third in Serie A, just one point off the top. Pulisic was crucial in the opening rounds of the season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in eight games, earning him the Serie A Player of the Month award for September.

Tension with the USMNT: Milan Doesn’t Want Another Scare

The conflict with the U.S. Soccer Federation isn’t new. Back in October, Milan was already upset about how Pulisic was handled during the international break—when the injury first occurred. Now, CEO Giorgio Furlani is leading talks to prevent a repeat.

The Rossoneri have officially requested that Pulisic not be called up for the upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay, or at least be excused from the second match. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan considers it crucial that the player stay in Italy to complete a full block of training sessions before the Inter derby.

Meanwhile, the U.S. federation has yet to respond. For Pochettino, the November friendlies represent a key moment to shape his core roster for the 2026 World Cup, complicating negotiations even further.

Allegri Looks for His Ideal Attack with Pulisic and Leão

Beyond the international dispute, Milan faces a pressing domestic challenge. Allegri has struggled with a depleted attack plagued by injuries and internal tension—especially with Santiago Giménez, whose relationship with the coach has reportedly hit a low point.

The Italian manager believes that the Pulisic–Leão duo is the key to regaining the attacking firepower the team showed early in the season. Before his injury, Pulisic was decisive and looked sharper than ever since arriving in Italian football.

If Milan’s plan works, Pulisic’s return could be a turning point—not only for the club but for the player himself, who aims to establish himself as one of the cornerstones of the Rossoneri project.

At Milanello, the message is clear: no rush, but no setbacks. Pulisic must return to stay.