Christian Pulisic delivered an impactful 45 minutes on Sunday in AC Milan’s 2-2 Serie A draw with Napoli, but wasn’t risked after halftime as a precaution.
Pulisic, who started and registered one assist for Stefano Pioli’s men, was replaced at halftime by Luka Romero. The U.S. men’s national team star has been an impactful signing for the Rossoneri this year after arriving in a permanent deal from English Premier League club Chelsea.
His assist on Olivier Giroud’s opening goal helped break the deadlock for AC Milan against Napoli before the Frenchman added a second tally just nine minutes later.
Pulisic did not return to the field in the second half while Napoli used goals from Matteo Politano and Giacomo Raspadori to fight back for a 2-2 draw. Pioli was asked about Pulisic’s status going forward and admitted his exit from the match was a precaution to avoid further injury.
“Pulisic felt a twinge in the adductor and it was not worth the risk there, even if he was having a great game,” Pioli said postmatch to reporters.
The 25-year-old has recorded four goals and one assist in nine Serie A appearances this season, while also featuring in three matches during the UEFA Champions League group stage. Pulisic has hit the ground in Milan, which has also boosted his confidence with the USMNT during the September and October windows.
He has contributed three goals and one assist in matches against Uzbekistan, Germany, and Ghana.
Pioli will hope Pulisic is available for Saturday’s Serie A showdown with Udinese as the Rossoneri aims to snap a three-match winless run across all competitions.