Christian Pulisic Suffered Bone Bruise, Microfracture Injury

Christian Pulisic sustained a bone bruise and microfracture in his leg during the United States' 4-1 World Cup loss to Belgium, according to sources briefed on the diagnosis who spoke with The Athletic. The forward is expected to miss several weeks, though not months. Pulisic appeared to suffer the injury in the 52nd minute after his shot attempt collided with Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans' leg. He continued playing for several minutes before being substituted in the 59th minute. "I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play," said Pulisic following the match. Medical evaluations later confirmed the injury as a bone bruise and microfracture of the tibia and fibula, according to sources. Pulisic was seen using crutches at the team hotel the following day. The recovery timeline suggests Pulisic could return to action in August, potentially in time for AC Milan's Serie A opener against Torino on August 23. This marked Pulisic's second injury of the tournament. He previously left the Paraguay match at halftime with a calf injury that also sidelined him against Australia, before returning for the Turkey match and starting against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pulisic drew criticism following his postgame comments to Fox regarding the injury. "It's just frustrating to end like that, of course, but now I have time to rest, so hopefully it'll be OK," said Pulisic. Former USWNT star Carli Lloyd criticized the remarks on social media. "You rest when your playing career is over. Period," wrote Lloyd. AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim addressed Pulisic's situation Wednesday, expressing confidence in the winger heading into next season. "I know he had some criticism after the World Cup elimination, but I am here to say we believe a lot in him, and have a clear plan to use all the qualities that he has," said Amorim. "Pulisic is really important for us."