ONE TOUCH SUMMARY
- Christian Pulisic expressed frustration over zero minutes played for AC Milan this season, according to coach Ruben Amorim.
- Christian Pulisic has been an unused substitute in Milan's first three Serie A matches while recovering.
- Amorim indicated Pulisic will likely see playing time against Lazio this weekend after injury setbacks.
ONE TOUCH INSIGHT
Pulisic’s frustration over zero minutes is understandable, but Amorim’s patience is the right call for a player returning from a bone bruise and microfracture that cut short his World Cup against Belgium. The forward has sat unused through Milan’s opening three Serie A games, a deliberate choice Amorim defended by saying no one walks straight back into a winning side, no matter the name. By insisting Pulisic will get at least a few minutes against Lazio this weekend, the coach is testing the leg that forced the American off in Doha while preserving the squad’s momentum.
If Pulisic can log meaningful time without aggravating the injury, it will signal to Mauricio Pochettino that the winger is fit enough for the upcoming US friendlies versus Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada after the international break. His Lazio appearance will reveal whether the minutes earned translate into a regular role and a USMNT call‑up.
WHY IT MATTERS
Pulisic's return adds valuable attacking depth to AC Milan as they face a congested fixture list, while his readiness boosts USMNT options ahead of crucial friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.
TACTICAL FIT
Amorim can now deploy Pulisic on the wings or as a forward option, providing tactical flexibility to rotate his successful lineup without disrupting the team's current balance and intensity.
THE DEBATE
Should Pulisic start for Milan immediately despite his recent injury layoff?
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Could Yunus Musah receive USMNT call-up after 'renaissance' at Milan? (1:39)
- ESPN
Multiple Authors
Sep 11, 2026, 12:54 PM ET
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Christian Pulisic is "upset" about not yet featuring for AC Milan this season, coach Ruben Amorim said Friday before hinting that the United States star is likely to get some playing time this weekend.
The forward has been an unused substitute for Milan's opening three Serie A games this season, the first matches in charge for Amorim after replacing Massimiliano Allegri this summer.
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While acknowledging Pulisic was not happy with his role so far, Amorim suggested the 27-year-old would be eased back into the team following a bone bruise and microfracture in his lower leg that prematurely ended his World Cup in the round-of-16 loss to Belgium.
Milan visits Lazio on Saturday.
"I think you guys are going to see Pulisic; I don't know if he is going to start or he's going to get on the pitch [from the bench]," Amorim told a news conference on Friday. "I think he's going to play at least a few minutes now and I like Pulisic.
Christian Pulisic has yet to play a single minute for AC Milan this season.Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images
"Pulisic is upset at the moment because he has zero minutes, and I love that," Amorim added. "I love that in my players. But he's ready to play. Let's not forget he had an injury, then in the first training he had a knock, and he stopped a little bit and returned."
Milan have made a positive start under former Manchester United boss Amorim, with wins over Torino and Venezia being followed up by last week's draw at Juventus. And Amorim said no player has an automatic right to go straight back into a successful team.
"It doesn't matter if you are a top player, I don't take [out] all the other guys who are doing well to put in any player in the world," he said. "That is my way of living, and this is the way I'm going to die or finish my career.
"Pulisic is really important for us. After the [international break], we'll have eight weeks with three games per week. I think they are going to be tired of playing, so there'll be time for everyone.
"Pulisic is really important for us and is going to play a lot of games, but you need to understand the context and history to understand why I do things the way I do. I think you guys will see him this weekend; you will not miss him a lot."
After the game with Lazio, Milan has two more matches before the FIFA international window, when the United States will play home friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.
Pulisic endured a disappointing World Cup with multiple injuries, despite skipping the previous summer's Gold Cup in an effort to arrive at the tournament in peak fitness.
U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino appeared to reference that decision when talking with reporters this week about habits that need to be changed within the program.
"It was difficult to make the roster for the Gold Cup one year before because the mindset was different," Pochettino said Monday. "You say, 'If I play, I have not holidays. I cannot arrive fresh for the World Cup.' ... You know now that is bull----."
AI-assisted · generated from ESPN FC reporting, not editor reviewed
