Christian Pulisic injury confirmed as USMNT star set to miss key Milan matches

Milan confirmed on Monday that USMNT star Christian Pulisic will miss the remainder of December. The midfielder suffered a right calf muscle injury, as confirmed by imaging tests. He picked up the injury in Milan's 2-1 loss to Atalanta in a Serie A game last Friday.

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Key player

For Milan, it is a huge setback as Christian Pulisic carried on the load of being the undisputed star for the USMNT, with performances in many games that continue to inspire the next generation of American players. The midfielder was also one of Milan's main men this season. Since his signing for the club, he has continuously churned out excellent results. Playing a total of 20 games across all competitions, Pulisic has managed eight goals and six assists.

In Serie A, Pulisic has scored five goals and provided four assists, making him an important member of Milan's attack. But he is not only doing a great job in the domestic tournament. In the Champions League, Pulisic was on fire, scoring against Liverpool and providing an assist against Real Madrid.

Whether it's scoring the winning goal for Milan or putting up crucial performances for the USMNT, Pulisic is synonymous with moments. His performance this season, despite Milan's inconsistency, has underlined how much he means to the club and American soccer.

Which games will Pulisic miss?

With the injury confirmed, Pulisic will miss several key matches for Milan. The first setback will be the Champions League clash against Crvena Zvezda. Milan is looking to maintain momentum in the group stage, where they've accumulated nine points in five games and remain firmly in contention for qualification.

In Serie A, Pulisic will also miss key matches against Genoa, Verona, and Roma. The absence of the USMNT star comes at a precarious time for Milan, who find themselves in seventh place with 22 points, a full 12 points from the league leader. The team has struggled with inconsistency and needs an about-face if they are to have any chance of contending for the title or even securing a Champions League spot for next season.

Recovery and January expectations

Regardless of the worrying outlook, Milan is still confident. The medical team of the club has initiated an intensive recovery program, whose aim is to make Pulisic ready for the critical games in January. It is above all the Supercoppa Italiana match on January 3 when Milan will travel to Saudi Arabia to take on Juventus in a very decisive semifinal.

Pulisic's return will be important for Milan but also for the United States Men's National Team. The midfielder is a key figure with the USMNT, already beginning to prepare for a big year in 2025 with the buildup to the World Cup.