AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic suffers microfracture in US defeat
United States and AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic will be sidelined for up to six weeks after sustaining a microfracture and bone bruise in his lower leg during a 4-1 defeat by Belgium.
The American attacker picked up the injury early in the second half of the round-of-16 tie when his attempted shot struck the leg of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans.
He attempted to play through the pain before eventually being replaced by Sebastian Berhalter in the 59th minute.
By the time the former Chelsea winger departed the pitch, an error from goalkeeper Matt Freese had already allowed Hans Vanaken to score Belgium’s third goal.
Tournament plagued by fitness issues
“I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” the 25-year-old explained following the elimination.
“I mean, whatever. I have time to rest. It’s just an unfortunate way to finish.”
This latest setback concludes a frustrating international campaign for the talismanic player, who was severely hampered by a calf issue prior to the tournament opener.
After aggravating that initial injury against Paraguay, he was forced to sit out the subsequent group match against Australia.
Race against time for Italian return
Following a 32-minute cameo against Türkiye and an 88-minute appearance against Bosnia-Herzegovina, this new lower leg issue will now require a significant period of rehabilitation.
Medical assessments indicate an expected absence of four to six weeks, targeting a return to training in Italy at some stage in August.
The timeline presents an immediate challenge for the Rossoneri as they prepare for the upcoming domestic campaign.
The forward will miss valuable pre-season preparations under newly appointed Milan manager Ruben Amorim.
The Italian giants are scheduled to commence their season against Torino on 23 August.