Soccer

No Christian Pulisic with USMNT, at AC Milan’s request?

With two weeks to go before the November friendlies in which the USMNT will face Paraguay and Uruguay, Team USA has reportedly made an important decision regarding Pulisic.

No Christian Pulisic with USMNT, at AC Milan’s request
Ben Jackson/USSF
Estados Unidos Update:

Mauricio Pochettino is starting to make some progress with the United States men’s national team but he is facing another setback ahead of November’s FIFA international break.

The November friendlies will be a key staging post on the road to the 2026 World Cup and Pochettino will hope to have his whole squad available to help build cohesion. USMNT will be taking on Paraguay and Uruguay next month but look set to be without a key player for the fixtures: Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic suffered a hamstring injury during the October game against Australia and could miss out next month, according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The report claims that AC Milan sent a written request to Pochettino, asking that Pulisic not be called up. They hope that the extra rest time will allow the US international to regain his best form with the Rossoneri. Pulisic has not played for Milan since that hamstring injury but may now be close to a return.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has expressed optimism about Pulisic’s recovery and hopes to have the USMNT forward back as soon as possible, but Milan do not want to take any further risks.

Pulisic’s absence would be a major frustration for Pochettino, who will now be hoping to have his strongest team to choose from. However the Argentina head coach has not be shy about rotating his team and has coaxed useful performances from other members of the squad.

One key beneficiary could be Gio Reyna, who has had a checkered history with the national team. A public falling-out with former head coach Gregg Berhalter overshadowed his 2022 World Cup appearances but Reyna is a genuine talent who will not have given up hope of a return to the international fray.

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