Milan postpone Pulisic tests after delay returning from USA

Milan will have to wait slightly longer than first anticipated to learn the full extent of Christian Pulisic’s condition after picking up an injury on international duty with the USMNT earlier this week, as he has reportedly been delayed on his way back over to Italy. 

Pulisic lined up as a starter for USA’s recent friendly against Australia in Colorado, but was unable to play for longer than half an hour before coming off with an issue in his hamstring. 

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino kept tight-lipped on Pulisic’s condition after full-time, insisting: ‘We can’t say anything at the moment’. Whatever Pulisic’s condition, he is not expected to be part of Massimiliano Allegri’s side to take on Fiorentina in Serie A when domestic action resumes this weekend. 

According to updates on Thursday, Milan have had to postpone Pulisic’s medical checks, as there has been an unspecified issue with his flight back from the United States. 

Pulisic had been expected to arrive back in Italy during the day on Thursday and then report for a medical examination before the end of the night, however, he will now only return to Italy by the evening, and will have to go in for the tests on Friday instead. 

The American is not the only Milan player at risk of missing the Fiorentina clash on Sunday. Adrien Rabiot is also a slight doubt after picking up a knock while away on international duty with France, while Pervis Estupinan also had issues while away with the Ecuador national team. 

Alexis Saelemaekers withdrew from the Belgium camp, but he is still in contention to feature on Sunday. Rafael Leao is also pushing to return to full fitness, while Christopher Nkunku is preparing for a starting opportunity up front alongside Santiago Gimenez.