Pulisic’s Hamstring Hold-Up Sparks Milan Derby Doubts — Careful, Inter Isn’t Forgetting

Source: https://football-italia.net/pulisic-injury-recovery-time-milan-games-miss/

Injury Update and Return Timeline

AC Milan received a tough blow as medical reports revealed American winger Christian Pulisic has sustained a setback in his right hamstring, threatening a lengthy absence that could extend to the Derby della Madonnina against Inter on November 23.

According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pulisic will undergo a new assessment in about ten days, but there are fears within the club that the recovery could take longer than a month, potentially forcing him out of several important fixtures.

He had picked up a hamstring injury while with the United States during the international window earlier in October.

Back in Milan, the player underwent medical tests last Friday, which confirmed a slight strain in the right hamstring.

The Milan club stated that he will be reevaluated in roughly ten days to gauge his response to treatment, though the Italian paper suggested the recovery could stretch beyond initial expectations.

According to the same report, Pulisic is definitely ruled out of the next three matches against Fiorentina, Pisa, and Atalanta, while chances of featuring against Roma at San Siro look slim.

Theoretically, Pulisic could return for Parma away on November 8, but the coaching staff will avoid risking him until he is fully ready, especially with another international break looming.

As a result, the American forward may miss all Rossoneri games ahead of the next international window, with the closest possible return appearing in the Milan Derby against Inter on November 23, when he could finally be seen back in action as a fully recovered player.

Pulisic has long been one of Milan's key pillars in recent seasons, often delivering important goals and assists. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in both scoring and creation, as he is a decisive player who can finish chances efficiently.

In this campaign, Pulisic has been solid for the Rossoneri, featuring in six Serie A games and contributing six goals (four goals and two assists) in 324 minutes of play. He has also featured in two Coppa Italia matches totaling 95 minutes, scoring two goals in those appearances.

A Leao Dilemma

Meanwhile, Portuguese winger Rafael Leao is going through a rough patch at San Siro, failing to hit the back of the net in Serie A since May 2024.

Leao will be aiming to score his first home goal in over a year and a half when Milan host Fiorentina at San Siro this coming Sunday.

His last goal at home for Milan came on May 25, 2024, in a 3-3 draw with Salernitana in the season’s final round.

Ironically, Leao will face his former boss Stefano Pioli on Sunday, the man who oversaw the last home goal Leao scored in Rossoneri colors.

The Portugal international has been used as a substitute twice this season after recovering from a calf injury suffered in the season’s opening competitive game against Bari in August.

Leao could start his first Serie A appearance of the 2025-26 season on Sunday against Fiorentina, particularly with Pulisic’s possible absence looming over the squad.

Milan’s Season Outlook

Given that Milan failed to secure a Champions League place last season and dropped out of the top four, they are not competing in European competitions this season.

Under coach Allegri, the Rossoneri are focused on domestic league and Coppa Italia action, a positive stance that allows the squad to rebuild away from European pressure.

The club began the campaign with a 2-0 cup victory over Bari, following a 2-1 league opening defeat at home to Cremonese.

Following that, Milan collected wins in four consecutive league matches against Lecce (2-0), Bologna (1-0), Udinese (3-0), and Napoli (2-1), then drew 0-0 with Juventus in their sixth game.

They also achieved a 3-0 league win over Lecce again in the cup Round of 32, setting up a Round of 16 clash with Lazio for early December, with the winner facing Parma or Bologna in the next round.

In Serie A this season, Milan have tallied nine goals so far, eight from open play and one from a set-piece.

The club’s top scorer at the moment is Pulisic with four goals, and he also leads as Milan’s best creator with two decisive assists.

Defensively, Milan have shipped three goals across their first six matches.

Currently, Milan sit third in the Serie A table on 13 points, two adrift of pace-setters Napoli and second-placed Roma.

End of article.

Punchline (sniper-style): Pulisic’s hamstring is auditioning for a soap opera—great lines, longer previews. Punchline 2: Milan’s attack is so sharp that even injuries call for a substitution before the party starts.