Christian Pulisic Nears AC Milan Return for Serie A Trip to Lazio
Christian Pulisic is expected to receive his first AC Milan minutes of the 2026-27 Serie A campaign on the club’s trip to Rome, with Ruben Amorim confirming the United States international is close to returning after a delayed start caused by injury recovery.
Pulisic situation at a glance
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| League minutes in 2026-27 | 0 | Pulisic did not feature in Milan’s opening three Serie A matches. |
| Milan record | 134 appearances | 42 goals and 27 assists in all competitions since joining in 2023. |
| Current Serie A position | Fifth | Milan have taken seven points from their first three fixtures. |
The winger returned to training only last month after sustaining a micro-fracture and bone bruise in his right leg while representing the USMNT at the World Cup during the summer. Amorim said Pulisic should now be involved, although he stopped short of confirming whether the 27-year-old would begin the match or be introduced as a substitute.
“You will see Pulisic,” Amorim said before Friday’s pre-match media briefing. “I cannot say whether he starts or comes from the bench, but I expect him to play some minutes.”
Amorim also welcomed Pulisic’s frustration at being unused so far this season, describing it as the response he wants from members of his squad. The Milan coach made clear, however, that reputation alone will not decide selection.
Competition has intensified on the left side in Pulisic’s absence, where 19-year-old Italian youth international Alphadjo Cisse has made a rapid impression. Cisse has scored twice in the opening weeks and earned support at San Siro with his direct running and confident work on the ball.
Amorim said he would not displace a player performing well simply to accommodate another name. “That is how I manage the group, and those are the principles I will keep,” he said.
Pulisic arrived from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 on a four-year agreement and has become one of Milan’s most productive attacking players. Alongside his 42 goals and 27 assists, he helped the Rossoneri win the Supercoppa Italiana in the 2024-25 season.
His World Cup was interrupted by the injury that has affected his club preparation. Pulisic missed the United States’ group-stage meeting with Australia, but played in four other matches and supplied one assist before Belgium eliminated the USMNT in the round of 16.
Milan travel to Rome unbeaten after beginning the league season with two victories and a draw. They are fifth in Serie A, and Pulisic’s expected return gives Amorim another option as the early contest for places in his forward line continues.
