United States men’s national team star Christian Pulisic fractured his right leg during the Americans’ 4-1 Round of 16 World Cup defeat to Belgium, sidelining the winger for several weeks, a person familiar with the medical evaluation confirmed on Thursday.
The source spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because no formal medical statement had been authorized. According to the source, detailed scans revealed that the USMNT captain sustained a significant bone contusion alongside a microfracture in both his tibia and fibula.
Despite the initial alarm surrounding a leg fracture, the recovery timeline is relatively optimistic. The 27-year-old is expected to resume training prior to AC Milan’s upcoming Serie A season opener against Torino on August 23, where he will play under newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim.
The injury occurred in the 52nd minute of Tuesday’s knockout match in Seattle. Pulisic collided heavily with Belgian captain Youri Tielemans’ leg while attempting a shot on goal. Visibly limping, Pulisic attempted to play through the pain before ultimately being substituted for Sebastian Berhalter in the 59th minute.
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The injury caps off a frustrating, injury-plagued World Cup campaign for Pulisic on home soil. The forward failed to score during the tournament, sat out one of the group stage matches entirely due to a calf issue, and was substituted early due to physical discomfort in two other appearances. He currently holds 30 goals in 90 senior appearances for the United States.
Pulisic, who turns 28 in September, will now focus on his rehabilitation in Italy as he prepares for his fourth season with the Rossoneri.
