Pulisic Out For At Least Three Weeks

Winger Injured His Hamstring Against Australia, MRI Says the Injury is Low Grade

Christian Pulisic's injury during Tuesday's friendly against Australia has sparked controversy and concern, with AC Milan reportedly frustrated over Mauricio Pochettino's handling of their star player. The American captain was forced off in the 31st minute after suffering a hamstring injury, and subsequent medical scans revealed a low-grade lesion in his right biceps femoris.

Italian outlet Tuttosport reported that Milan officials are "annoyed" with Pochettino's decision to start Pulisic, particularly since the forward was already dealing with an ankle injury that had limited him to a substitute appearance in Friday's match against Ecuador. The club believes the risk was unnecessary given the match was merely a friendly with nothing at stake.

Pulisic will miss at least two weeks of action, ruling him out of Milan's fixtures against Fiorentina and Pisa. AC Milan plans to reevaluate his condition in 10 days, with the possibility of his return for the away match against Atalanta. If cleared, he might also be available for the USMNT's November fixtures against Paraguay and Uruguay.

The injury represents a significant blow for Milan, as Pulisic had been their standout performer this season with six goals and two assists through the club's first seven matches. Pochettino acknowledged the challenging circumstances surrounding the injury, suggesting the drastic climate change from Texas to Colorado may have contributed. "I think it's a thing that is a massive risk," Pochettino told reporters. "I think the [temperature] difference [between Austin and Colorado] and that can affect your body and everything. That is difficult."

The incident has raised questions about player management during international windows, especially when club players are dealing with minor injuries. For Pulisic, who had been enjoying a career-best start to the season with Milan, the timing couldn't be worse, as he risks missing crucial Serie A matches during his absence.