Christian Pulisic is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a microfracture and bone bruise during the United States’ World Cup last-16 defeat to Belgium. US Soccer announced that the Milan forward is expected to be unavailable for several weeks as he begins his rehabilitation programme.
The injury occurred during the second half of the 4-1 loss in Seattle, forcing his withdrawal from the knockout match. Pulisic underwent X-ray and MRI scans the following day to determine the full extent of the damage. The federation confirmed that they are working collaboratively with Milan on his recovery plan.
Injury-plagued tournament
The setback caps a frustrating campaign for the 27-year-old, who battled fitness issues throughout the Americans’ run to the last 16. Pulisic produced an impressive first-half display in the opening victory against Paraguay, which ended 4-1, but he did not emerge after the break after aggravating a left-calf complaint.
That problem kept him out of the subsequent group match, a 2-0 win over Australia. He returned as a substitute in the final group fixture against Turkey, a dead rubber which ended in a 3-2 defeat, before starting the last-32 triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He played 88 minutes of that contest but was only occasionally threatening before being replaced late on.
Reaction from former internationals
Pulisic’s comments after the Belgium defeat have drawn criticism from former United States internationals. Speaking to journalists, he said: “I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play … I have time to rest. It’s just unfortunate way to finish.”
Carli Lloyd, the former women’s national team star and Fox analyst, posted on social media: “You rest when your playing career is over. Period.”
Landon Donovan, former captain of the men’s team, expressed similar sentiments on his podcast. He stated: “the reality is, [Pulisic] came out of a World Cup knockout game at home, with his leg still intact … you would have had to fucking drag me off the field. And I would have punched the doctor in the face and said, ‘You’re not taking me off the field. Put whatever you need to put in me, and I’m staying on the field.'”
Pulisic will now focus on his rehabilitation under the joint supervision of US Soccer and his club, Milan. The exact return date remains unclear, though the prognosis suggests he will miss the opening phase of pre-season preparations.