Frustrated Pulisic sits on AC Milan bench as Amorim promises minutes
Christian Pulisic remains without a competitive appearance for AC Milan under new manager Ruben Amorim, a situation that has left the U.S. Men’s National Team forward visibly upset. The 28‑year‑old is on the bench for each of the Rossoneri’s first three Serie A games as they prepare to face Lazio.
His delayed preseason began after he suffered a microfracture in his leg during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, forcing him to miss the early training sessions with the Rossoneri. The injury postponed his integration into Ruben Amorim’s plans.
Despite being named on the bench for the opening fixtures against Torino, Venezia and Juventus, Pulisic has logged zero minutes, a fact that fuels his frustration. He recorded double‑digit goal tallies in each of his first three Serie A seasons in Italy but has not scored for Milan since December 2025.
Amorim's plan for the upcoming match
Ruben Amorim told reporters on Friday that Pulisic should feature against Lazio on Saturday, hoping the lack of minutes will ignite the veteran attacker. “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,” he said.
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He added, “I think he’s going to play at least a few minutes now and I like Pulisic. Pulisic is upset at the moment because he has zero minutes, and I love that,” emphasizing his readiness despite the earlier knock.
What the contrast means for Milan and the USMNT
A return to action is crucial as Milan’s Europa League campaign begins next week and the U.S. Men’s National Team’s first post‑World Cup window opens in two weeks. Amorim’s willingness to give Pulisic minutes could boost both the club’s European ambitions and the striker’s international prospects.
The juxtaposition of Pulisic’s bench‑side frustration and Amorim’s confidence underscores a pivotal moment; the Lazio clash may decide whether the Rossoneri’s star finally regains his rhythm.