USMNT Legends Criticize AC Milan Response to Christian Pulisic Injury

Christian Pulisic, a star player for the U.S. men's national team (USMNT), suffered a low-grade right hamstring tear during a match against Australia in October, after previously dealing with an ankle injury that limited him to a 20-minute appearance against Ecuador. AC Milan expressed dissatisfaction with how the USMNT managed Pulisic's fitness, prompting criticism from former USMNT players Tim Howard and Landon Donovan on their podcast, who labeled Milan's response as "crazy" and "ridiculous".

Howard defended the USMNT's decision to play Pulisic, emphasizing that every game is crucial for the team since they do not have World Cup qualifying matches, making this essentially a qualifier-like opportunity to build team cohesion and earn points. He argued that it was unreasonable for Milan to suggest Pulisic should not have participated, and expressed concern that Milan might prevent Pulisic from joining future international breaks in November, which he deemed "crazy talk".

Donovan echoed Howard's sentiments, calling the complaints ridiculous and hoping that Pulisic does not regret representing his country despite the injury. This incident adds to a history of tension, as Donovan previously clashed with Pulisic over his decision to skip the Concacaf Gold Cup to prioritize rest, questioning his commitment to the national team, which Pulisic strongly rebutted by defending his dedication.

Looking ahead, the USMNT is scheduled to play international friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay in November, with no competitive matches remaining before hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the importance of these preparations amid ongoing discussions about player management and national team obligations.