​U.S. star Christian Pulisic fractured his right leg during the Americans’ World Cup defeat to Belgium and will be out of action for several weeks, a person familiar with the injury said Thursday. The source spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the diagnosis, initially reported by The Athletic, had not yet been officially released by the U.S. Soccer Federation. The information indicates that Pulisic has sustained a bone bruise along with a microfracture to his tibia and fibula. The same source added that he is expected to be able to resume training before AC Milan’s Serie A season opener at Torino on August 23.
The incident occurred when Pulisic collided with Belgium captain Youri Tielemans while taking a shot in the 52nd minute of Monday’s 4-1 round-of-16 defeat in Seattle. Although he continued playing after the contact, he was clearly hobbling, and coach Sebastian Berhalter made the early substitution in the 59th minute. Throughout the World Cup, Pulisic did not find the back of the net; he missed one of the Americans’ five matches due to a calf issue and exited two additional games prematurely. Across his international career, he has accumulated 30 goals in 90 appearances.
Looking ahead, Pulisic, who turns 28 in September, is entering his fourth season with Milan after joining the Italian club last year. His injury casts a cloud over the immediate post-World Cup period as Milan and the U.S. team monitor his recovery and plan his return to club duties. The team and medical staff will likely focus on a careful rehabilitation schedule to balance healing with the need to return to peak conditioning ahead of the upcoming domestic league campaign. Durability will be a central theme for Pulisic in the weeks ahead as he works to regain full strength in that leg and regain his form for both club and country.
As this situation develops, more details from official medical updates and team statements are anticipated to clarify the timeline for Pulisic’s return and the precautions necessary to ensure he can train and compete safely. In the meantime, fans and analysts will be watching closely how his rehabilitation progresses and what impact this may have on Milan’s plans for the early part of the season, as well as the U.S. team’s roster decisions should further international duties arise.