AC Milan and U.S. men’s national team fans will be holding their breaths.
Christian Pulisic left Tuesday’s USMNT 2-1 victory with a hamstring injury, manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed in his postmatch press conference. Pulisic left Tuesday’s win in the 30th minute after being the victim of a few heavy challenges from the Australian players.
The USMNT star had been key to AC MIlan’s impressive start to Serie A play this season, scoring four goals and adding two assists. Pulisic had also chipped in two goals in Coppa Italia play, earning AC Milan’s Player of the Month award for September.
However, his status for the Rossoneri’s return to domestic play this weekend remains unknown, which could hamper his potential USMNT return for November’s international schedule.
“Pulisic] feels something in his hamstring,” Pochettino said. “Tomorrow he will fly to Italy. Tonight we will reassess. We cannot say [anything else].”
Pulisic was not part of the USMNT’s summer schedule after playing in 50 matches for AC Milan last season. His decision to enjoy a rest period and not take part in the USMNT’s Gold Cup schedule led to heavy scrutiny from former international players and teammates.
The USMNT played in colder temperatures in Tuesday’s match in Commerce City, Colorado compared to last Friday’s fixture in Austin, Texas, while also playing at a different altitude level overall. Pochettino isn’t making an excuse for Pulisic’s injury, but did point out the facts in the different atmospheres of the two locations.
“I think it’s a thing that is a massive risk. I don’t want to say that Christian or if it’s something because, but I think it was really tough for the player,” Pochettino said.
“We know to prepare the game and then to play,” he added. “We got really sad about this [Pulisic] situation because I think it is difficult…I think we’re 20 degrees [Celsius] the difference [between Austin and Colorado] and that can affect your body and everything. That is difficult. But yes, that is a thing that we need to fix for the future when we come from Europe because [the altitude] can affect [things].”
Pulisic will hope for a speedy recovery as AC Milan has five league fixtures before the November international break takes place. They return to the San Siro on Sunday against Fiorentina.
you’re putting a bunch of body weight on your leg muscles when you’re tripped but try to stay on your feet while falling over. i did a hammy same way in men’s league after someone professional fouled me with a takeout slide right when in was going to break down the wing.
if there is a silver lining, he might have been in discomfort but he wasn’t walking short steps or in that much seeming pain.