SOCCER
Christian Pulisic injury: Did the USMNT captain get injured against Brazil?
The AC Milan star impressed in the first half with a well-taken free kick against Brazil but was seen limping ahead of this summer’s Copa América.
Just days before the start of the 2024 Copa América there was cause for concern among USMNT fans as captain Christian Pulisic was seen limping in the first half of the team’s final pre-tournament friendly.
Pulisic, wearing the captain’s armband, impressed in the first half against Brazil as Gregg Berhalter’s team looked to bounce back from a chastening 5-1 defeat to Colombia in the previous game. Brazil took the lead but Pulisic drew the US level, firing home a sweetly-struck free kick from the edge of the box.
All seemed to be going to plan for Berhalter’s team until, late in the first half, Pulisic went down. The 25-year-old appeared to be holding his left leg, but hobbled on for a few more minutes until the halftime whistle. Fortunately for Berhalter, Pulisic appeared to run off the knock and he came out with the rest of the team for the second half.
Pulisic on red-hot form for Milan
There are mixed feelings among USMNT supporters ahead of Copa America. It is rare for the US to have so many players plying their trade in the top European leagues, but there is a concern that few of them have enjoyed particularly successful seasons with their club teams.
That cannot, however, be said of Christian Pulisic. He has hit the ground running since signing for Italian giants AC Milan last summer, recording his career-best season for goals and assists. Pulisic contributed 16 goals and 10 assists across 50 games for Milan, an impressive debut season in Serie A.
Having fallen down the pecking order for Chelsea, and having suffered countless injuries, there was concern that Pulisic would not live up to his incredible potential. Yet an injury-free, high-production campaign in Milan has given his career fresh impetus and he will be crucial to any success for USMNT this summer.