Christian Pulisic studies injury recovery timeline after minor injury in USMNT’s disappointing 2026 World Cup exit
Christian Pulisic‘s painful to come out The USMNT’s 2026 World Cup campaign has taken another important turn, with new medical updates finally providing clarity after days of speculation. As the debate continues about the striker’s tournament and his post-match comments, fans are learning when the Milan star might return to action following the World Cup-ending injury.
I The United States lost 4-1 in the Round of 16 against Belgium not only did it end the hopes of the national team at home, but it also left its biggest star facing another punishment on the sidelines. While criticism initially focused on Pulisic’s decision to leave the game and his later comments, subsequent medical tests revealed a very different picture.
Injury has occurred of The 52nd minute of the United States’ 4-1 loss against Belgiumwhen Pulisic attempted a shot he accidentally hit the leg of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans.. Although he initially tried to continue, the pain eventually forced him to leave the field in the 59th minute.
In accordance with Athleticsubsequent tests confirmed that Pulisic suffered a broken bone and minor fractures of the tibia and fibula in his lower right leg.. He was later seen using crutches, highlighting that the injury was more serious than first thought.
Medical staff later confirmed the extent of the damage after scans, and Pulisic was seen using crutches in the team hotel. Had the USMNT advanced to face Spain in the quarterfinals, the striker would have been unavailable due to injury.
The recovery timeline offers good news for Milan
Despite the alarming diagnosis, The outlook for recovery is much better than many initially feared.
In accordance with Athletic again Calciomercato, Pulisic is expected to miss three to six weeks rather than several monthswhich we expect to return in August. That timeline would allow him to train earlier AC Milan opens Serie A against Torino on August 23giving new manager Ruben Amorim reason for optimism ahead of the new campaign.
The injury means the American is likely to miss the Rossoneri’s pre-season friendlies, but those games were already viewed as unlikely following his involvement in the World Cup.
Time is of the essence at Milan, where new coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly planning to make Pulisic a central midfielder next season. After an inconsistent second half of the previous campaign, the American will be hoping to start the new season on full form.
Amorim expressed his confidence in his player, saying: “I know he has been criticized after the World Cup ended, but I am here to say that we believe in him a lot, and we have a clear plan to use all the qualities he has. Pulisic is very important to us.”
A frustrating tournament for the USMNT star
Belgium’s game is flagged The striker’s second injury of the tournament. He was already aggravating a calf problem during the win over Paraguay, which forced him to miss the next game against Australia before returning for the group stage.
The tournament itself proved disappointing from an individual perspective. Pulisic finished the tournament without scoring a goalalthough he signed up to help in the opening match against Paraguay.
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts
After the elimination, the Milan striker admitted his frustration with the injury and his performances. “It’s tiring to end like that, but now I have time to rest, I hope it will be alright,” Pulisic said.
Later, he added: “Since I was injured before and another one followed now, it was difficult. It was difficult for me to deal with it.” Despite his disappointment, the player praised his teammates for stepping up in the tournament: “But we have a great team. There are a lot of guys who have stepped up in this tournament, which is what we need to focus on.”
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