The Rossoneri’s top scorer, Pulisic, and the tireless midfielder, Rabiot: two key figures in the new Milan will share time together off the pitch as well. Both are set to undergo medical tests today after recent muscle problems. Pulisic, out with a hamstring issue, will certainly miss the match against Fiorentina.
As for Adrien, his situation will be clarified only after the tests. Milan had released both players for international duty in good condition but now gets them back bruised, or in Pulisic’s case, injured.
Starting with the less serious case: Rabiot’s problem concerns his calf, likely a simple knock or muscle strain. The tests will determine whether he will be available for Sunday’s late fixture. The player stopped training days before France’s match against Iceland and did not take part in the game. The French national team’s medical staff are described as highly meticulous, so if the initial exams had shown any real damage, Rabiot would have immediately returned to Milan, similar to how Mbappé was sent back to Madrid for his ankle issues. Once back at Milanello, after international duty ended, Rabiot’s pain had not fully disappeared, hence the need for further assessment.
Muscle trouble
The more concerning issue involves Pulisic, the main reason behind the club’s frustration. The list of Milan players who picked up problems on international duty is longer, Saelemaekers and Estupinan are also included, but Pulisic required more cautious management. Even U.S. coach Pochettino admitted that Pulisic arrived in suboptimal condition because of a left ankle issue that had already sidelined him for two Serie A matches between late August and mid-September, against Lecce and Bologna, La Gazzetta dello Sport writes.
Against Ecuador last Saturday, he came on in the final fifteen minutes and felt fine. Starting him against Australia two days later was still risky, and after thirty-one minutes he left the match. Caution should have dictated a different approach, especially in a friendly without importance. His body, already strained from early-season issues, gave in to a hamstring injury. The U.S. number 10 began a solo move, was tackled by Australian defender Geria, and stayed on the ground. He got up and played for another ten minutes, then went down again after another foul. When he rose the second time, it was only to leave the field for good.
What are Milan's possible replacements for Pulisic?
Milan is waiting for him to be examined by its medical staff and remains frustrated by how the situation was handled. Greater prudence was needed. It is true that Pulisic is a national idol in the U.S. and everyone wants to see him play, but the interests of clubs must also be respected. The match in which he was risked was a simple friendly, nothing was at stake. Now Milan will pay the price. The recovery timeline will become clearer today. Tests will reveal whether there is a muscle tear and its extent.
Then comes the question: who will cover for the six goals and two assists Pulisic has already provided Milan? The likely candidates are Leao, who returned early from international duty as planned with the Portuguese federation, and Nkunku, who regained confidence and scored with France. For both, this would be their first Serie A start. The other spot should go to Gimenez, who came off the bench in Mexico’s last match and will return to Milanello after another long trip.
