AC Milan’s hopes for their upcoming match against AS Roma have been dampened by the news of Christian Pulisic’s latest injury setback. The USMNT star was expected to return to the lineup after overcoming a previously sustained calf injury; unfortunately, he now faces recovery from another ailment.
Paulo Fonseca, head coach of AC Milan, confirmed during his pre-match press conference before the Serie A clash scheduled for December 29, 2024, at San Siro, the grim outlook for Pulisic. “I expected to have Pulisic, he’s okay, he recovered from the calf problem, but he’s had an ankle issue over the last two days,” Fonseca stated. “It came about in the recovery process, and he’s not ready to play tomorrow, not even off the bench.”
Pulisic initially limped off during the 2-1 loss to Atalanta earlier this month, which was projected to sideline him through the busy festive match period. Despite coming through the calf issue without complications, Pulisic was hit with renewed trouble when his ankle flared up shortly before the match against Roma.
Reports suggest there exists some hope for Pulisic’s swift return, especially with the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Juventus slated for January 3, 2025. Though he participated in personalized training sessions leading up to Roma’s match, it remains unclear if he will be fit enough to make it back on the field.
AC Milan is set to face their Roman counterparts with several key players unavailable due to injuries, including Rafa Leao and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. “I think we may have some players back for the Supercoppa,” Fonseca added, highlighting the importance of this tournament for the club.
The team’s current predicament with injuries also casts shadow on possible formations and starting opportunities. With key forwards sidelined, new faces like Alex Jimenez may be thrust to the forefront, as he is anticipated to step up on the left-wing role against Roma.
Commenting on Pulisic’s fitness, reports indicated he had undergone individual training at Milanello and will need to perform satisfactorily during the last training session to be considered for Sunday’s match. An official statement noted, “If he works with the group, he could be called up by Paulo Fonseca; otherwise, he will return in a few days for the Supercoppa Italiana.”
This week, Fonseca has also been busy analyzing tactics and the impact of player injuries on the overall squad. During the media interaction, he reflected on the necessity of consistency among his players, especially with important fixtures around the corner. “The team doesn’t approach all games the same way, and that's the problem. Today, we're here talking about Milan that's struggling, but if we had two more points from matches against Genoa and Cagliari, perhaps this wouldn't be so big of a discussion.”
Pulisic’s injury narrative is emblematic of the struggles AC Milan has faced this season, as they grapple with performance inconsistency and injury woes. With match importance magnified due to the competitive structure of Serie A and cup tournaments, how the team navigates these challenges will be closely watched by supporters and analysts alike.
Pulisic’s influence on the team has been absent, which echoes the larger issue confronting AC Milan: the depth and adaptability of its roster. Pushing for victory against Roma will surely be on the minds of the players as they gear up for what could be seen as make-or-break moments this season.
The impending clash with Roma carries weight beyond just points on the table; it is also pivotal for player morale and establishing momentum heading toward the Supercoppa Italiana. Fans will be eagerly observing Pulisic’s situation as they await updates on his fitness leading to the Juventus match.
With Fonseca signalling optimism for the upcoming fixtures, the patience of fans and the AC Milan medical staff is now palpable. Recovery protocols aimed at minimizing player sentimentality for long-term gain are at the forefront of medical decisions being made. Given the history of injuries affecting Milan's key players, this careful approach might just pay off as they look to remain competitive throughout the season.
While Pulisic’s immediate availability may remain uncertain, his teammates will undoubtedly feel the pressure to step up during his absence. The clash against AS Roma can potentially set the tone for how AC Milan proceeds through the festive fixture list and beyond, especially as they prepare for significant competitions like the Supercoppa.
