USA star Christian Pulisic is set to return from a back injury for AC Milan’s crucial clash with Genoa, as the Rossoneri fight for Champions League safety.
AC Milan received a significant boost on Wednesday as Christian Pulisic returned to full first-team training at Milanello. The United States international had been sidelined with a lower back injury that forced him to miss the disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Atalanta last weekend. His return comes at a pivotal moment for both club and country, as Milan enter the final two weeks of the Serie A season with their Champions League qualification still hanging in the balance. For Pulisic, the upcoming matches against Genoa and Cagliari represent more than just a battle for league position; they are a final opportunity to find his goalscoring touch before leading the USMNT into a high-stakes World Cup campaign on home soil.
Overcoming the Back Injury Setback
The lower back issue that kept Pulisic out of the Atalanta fixture was a frustrating setback in a season that has been defined by his durability and importance to the Milan tactical setup. However, the reports from the training ground suggest that the American forward completed the full session with the rest of the squad on Wednesday without showing any signs of discomfort. This puts him in a strong position to be selected by head coach Massimiliano Allegri for Sunday’s trip to Genoa. Pulisic’s ability to operate across the front three provides Allegri with the tactical flexibility needed to break down a Genoa side that has been notoriously difficult to beat at home this season.
The medical staff at Milan have been cautious with Pulisic’s recovery, ensuring that the back strain did not develop into a long-term problem. Given his history of muscular injuries earlier in his career, this measured approach has been vital. The fact that he is back in training ahead of schedule is a testament to his professional approach to rehabilitation. Milan fans will be hoping that his return can provide the creative spark that was sorely missing during the defeat to Atalanta, a result that has left the Rossoneri looking over their shoulders in the race for the top four.
Analyzing the Unprecedented Goalscoring Drought
Despite his overall importance to the team's play, Pulisic is currently enduring the most difficult statistical period of his professional career. He has failed to find the net in his last 17 Serie A appearances, a drought stretching all the way back to December 28. This lack of productivity is not limited to his club form; he has also gone scoreless in his last eight outings for the United States national team. For a player whose game is built on late runs into the box and clinical finishing, this 25-game scoreless streak across all competitions is a psychological hurdle that he must overcome before the summer tournaments begin.
Critics have pointed to a change in his role under Allegri, where he is often asked to track back more frequently and contribute to the defensive shape, as a potential reason for his decreased goal output. However, Pulisic has continued to provide assists and create chances for teammates, suggesting that his overall game remains at a high level. The upcoming match against Genoa offers a chance to break this cycle. Historically, Pulisic has been a player who scores in streaks, and one goal could be the catalyst for a return to his best form. Allegri has publicly backed his forward, emphasizing that his contribution to the team's balance is more important than his individual tally.
The High Stakes of Champions League Qualification
Milan’s recent form has put their Champions League status for next season in serious jeopardy. The loss to Atalanta has left them in fourth place, level on points with fifth-place Roma and just two points ahead of a resurgent Como side. With only two games remaining, there is no margin for error. Failing to qualify for Europe’s premier competition would be a financial and sporting disaster for the club, potentially impacting their ability to strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window. Pulisic’s return is therefore seen as a vital reinforcement for a squad that has looked tired and lacking in ideas during the final month of the campaign.
The match at Genoa is followed by a final-day home game against Cagliari. These are fixtures that Milan should win on paper, but the pressure of the top-four race often levels the playing field. Pulisic’s experience in high-pressure matches—ranging from Champions League finals with Chelsea to CONCACAF showdowns—will be invaluable for the younger members of the Milan squad. Allegri will likely look to the American to lead by example, using his movement to stretch the opposition and create the spaces that players like Rafael Leão can exploit. The stakes could not be higher for the Rossoneri as they enter the final 180 minutes of the domestic season.
Preparing for the USMNT World Cup Campaign
While the immediate focus is on Serie A, the looming World Cup in North America is never far from Pulisic’s mind. The United States have friendlies scheduled against Senegal and Germany in late May and early June, serving as the final tune-ups before their tournament opener against Paraguay in Inglewood, California. For Pulisic, these matches are essential for building rhythm and confidence. The USMNT coaching staff will be watching his performance for Milan this weekend with keen interest, hoping to see their captain back at full fitness and, ideally, back on the scoresheet.
The pressure on Pulisic as the face of American soccer is immense, especially with a home World Cup on the horizon. A strong finish to the Serie A season would silence the doubters and allow him to join the national team camp with a clear head. The group stage path for the U.S. includes a trip to Seattle to face Australia and a return to SoFi Stadium for a clash with Turkey. Pulisic’s form will be the barometer for the team’s success. If he can recapture the clinical edge that made him a star in the Premier League and his early days in Milan, the U.S. will be a formidable opponent for anyone in the world.
Final Sprint of a Demanding Season
The 2025-26 season has been a marathon for Pulisic, who has shouldered a massive workload for both club and country. His recovery from this latest back injury is a positive sign of his physical resilience. As he steps back onto the pitch this weekend, the narrative surrounding him will be one of redemption. Can he end the longest drought of his career when his team needs him most? Can he lead Milan into the Champions League and then pivot to lead his nation on the world stage? The answers will begin to emerge at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday.
For AC Milan, the return of their number 11 is the best possible news at the worst possible time. The race for the top four is a test of nerves, and Pulisic has proven throughout his career that he possesses the mental fortitude to deliver in the clutch. Whether it is through a goal, an assist, or simply his work rate off the ball, his presence elevates the players around him. As the curtain falls on the Serie A campaign, all eyes will be on the American star to see if he can provide the final push the Rossoneri need to secure their future among Europe’s elite. more football news on MATCHLINE
