AC Milan is seething after Christian Pulisic suffered an injury during the friendly match between the United States national team and Australia in Colorado. The winger left the pitch in the 30th minute due to muscle discomfort, and reports from Italy point directly at coach Mauricio Pochettino for fielding him despite medical warnings.

Frustration in Milan

According to La Repubblica, the Italian club is “furious” with the U.S. coaching staff for unnecessarily exposing their star player. Pulisic, who had been dealing with minor ankle issues, was named a starter just days after playing 17 minutes against Ecuador. For the Milan hierarchy, the risk was unjustified — and the result costly: medical tests suggest a hamstring injury that could sideline him for three to four weeks.

Pochettino himself admitted after the match that the playmaker had suffered a muscle issue but avoided confirming the full extent of the damage. “He felt discomfort in his hamstring. We have to wait for the test results,” explained the coach, downplaying the severity of the situation.

A major setback for Milan

The blow comes at the worst possible moment for Massimiliano Allegri’s side, who are in fine form in Serie A and fighting for the top spot. Pulisic has been a key player in the Rossoneri’s setup, contributing six goals and two assists so far this season, ranking among the league’s top scorers alongside Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna. Milan currently sits third in the table, just two points behind Napoli and Roma.

The American’s absence adds to a growing injury list that’s becoming a concern at San Siro: Rafael Leão, Alexis Saelemaekers, Adrien Rabiot, and Pervis Estupiñán are also sidelined with various physical problems. As a result, Allegri may turn to Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Giménez to lead the attack in Sunday’s clash against Fiorentina.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the 2–1 win over Australia, featuring a brace from Haji Wright, left Pochettino with mixed feelings. The Argentine coach celebrated his first comeback victory in charge of the U.S. national team but lost his captain and most influential player in the process.

In Milan, the mood is one of pure frustration. What was supposed to be a routine international break has turned into a nightmare that could seriously impact the team’s momentum at a crucial stage of the season.