US striker Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a bone bruise and a microfracture in his leg following the World Cup round of 16 defeat against Belgium, which will sideline him for several weeks, according to The Athletic.
Injury Details
The AC Milan forward sustained the injury in the 52nd minute of the 4-1 loss when he attempted a shot at the edge of the penalty box and kicked the back of Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans' calf. Pulisic, who had been dealing with a calf issue during the tournament, tried to continue but was substituted in the 59th minute.
"I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play," Pulisic said after the match, as quoted by The Athletic. Medical assessments later revealed a bone bruise and microfracture of the tibia/fibula.
Recovery Timeline
The striker was seen on crutches at the team hotel the day after the game. If the US had advanced, he would have been unable to play the remainder of the tournament. Pulisic's estimated return is sometime in August, coinciding with the start of training for the new Serie A season. AC Milan's campaign opener is scheduled for August 23.
This was Pulisic's second injury during the World Cup. He set up two goals against Paraguay in the group stage before leaving at halftime due to a calf injury. He missed the group stage match against Australia, played as a substitute against Turkey, and started in the round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Club Support
Ahead of the new season with AC Milan, where he has played since 2023, new manager Ruben Amorim praised Pulisic on Wednesday. "He is a really talented player. He is perfect for the way I think about football, especially here in Italy, where sometimes the teams defend so well that there is less space between the lines. He is a player who can make the difference in that kind of space," Amorim said.
"I know the strengths of Pulisic, I believe in him, he will be supported in our club. I know he had some criticism after the World Cup elimination, but I am here to say we believe a lot in him, and have a clear plan to use all the qualities that he has. Pulisic is really important for us," he added.
Pulisic's contract with AC Milan runs through the end of the upcoming season.
