After the first three competitive matches of the season, there is one question that all Milan fans are asking: what is going on with Christian Pulisic? The American forward has yet to play a single minute despite having been back available to Ruben Amorim for more than two weeks, having returned to group training on 21 August.
What has happened to Pulisic?
Pulisic was injured in the United States' final World Cup match, suffering a microfracture and bone oedema in the tibia and fibula of his right leg. After spending several weeks at Milanello recovering from the injury, the Rossoneri's No. 11, who was unable to take part in Milan's summer tour of Australia and Indonesia, returned to group training on 21 August, two days before Ruben Amorim's side made their Serie A debut away to Torino. Two and a half weeks have now passed and the former Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund forward is still yet to play a single minute, having remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes against Torino, Venezia and Juventus, as relayed via Milannews.it.
After the match against the Bianconeri, Ruben Amorim was asked why he has not used Pulisic so far, and the Portuguese coach replied in his press conference: "Pulisic has returned from an injury, so I'm managing him. For now, Alphadjo Cisse is playing in his place." Therefore, it appears to be a simple case of managing him following his injury, although it is genuinely surprising that the American has not played even a single minute across three matches.
It is clear that 'Captain America' will not be at 100% and will not yet be in a condition to play an entire match, but everyone expected to see him on the pitch for at least part of the game against Juventus, given that 16 days had passed since his return to group training. It is true that Cisse has been an excellent replacement, but there is no denying that Amorim needs the best version of Pulisic as soon as possible, with the American eager to finally end his goal drought in 2026.
