Christian Pulisic Glute Injury Hits USMNT World Cup Plans

Christian Pulisic missed AC Milan’s Serie A clash with Atalanta on May 10 with a gluteal muscle strain, and the timing puts a fresh question mark on the United States captain a month before the World Cup opens at home. The 27-year-old was set to start before pulling up in Saturday’s training session. ESPN reported the absence as largely precautionary, yet the United States national team staff are tracking every step.

Pulisic ends the club season inside the worst goal drought of his career. His last goal landed on December 28 against Hellas Verona. Milan slipped to a 3-2 home defeat without him, which damaged their push for fourth place and a Champions League return. The injury watch now defines his last two club matches before USMNT camp.

What the Injury Looks Like Right Now

Gluteal strains rarely sideline players for long when caught early. Milan’s medical staff held Pulisic out as a precaution rather than from a confirmed tear. The club has not released a specific return timeline. Multiple Italian outlets reported the call came down on the morning of the match.

Pulisic still has two Serie A matches left on Milan’s calendar. His availability for either decides whether he arrives at USMNT camp with match minutes or with a fitness gap. Coach Mauricio Pochettino tracks club workloads closely and will weigh the load each player carries into the camp.

Why It Matters for USMNT

The United States open the World Cup on home soil. The schedule grants no margin to ease a captain back from an injury rhythm. Read our breakdown of how USA play under Pochettino for the role Pulisic carries on the left and as the team’s primary chance creator.

Pulisic remains the team’s top scorer and the player who unlocks games against tighter defences. He carried the load through CONCACAF qualifying and the Nations League cycle. A short layoff in May does not threaten his World Cup place. A recurring problem in June would.

USMNT Friendly Schedule

May 31: United States vs Senegal in Charlotte, North Carolina.
June 6: United States vs Germany in Chicago.
June 12: Tournament opener vs Paraguay (Group D).

Pochettino plans to use both friendlies for tactical reps with his strongest XI. Pulisic’s fitness frames both team plans. If the glute clears within a week, he plays a controlled half against Senegal. If recovery slips, the staff protects him for the Germany match and the opener.

Pulisic’s Season in Context

The 2025-26 campaign has been the toughest stretch of his Milan years. Goal totals stayed below his usual rate. Position changes under three different coaches forced him to balance touchline play with central pockets. He still hit double-digit assists and led Milan in expected goal involvement on the wings.

The drought is a phase, not a decline. International form has stayed clean. Pulisic produced moments in March’s friendlies and looked sharp during Nations League play. The captain band sits on his arm for a reason. Pochettino names him as the team’s reference point, and the squad accepts that hierarchy.

What Pochettino Said Before the Injury

Pochettino warned at his last federation media availability that he wanted every starter to arrive with at least one club match in their legs. He singled out three positions where he feared a fitness gap: left wing, defensive midfield, and centre-back. Pulisic’s setback hits the position he flagged first.

The coach favours a high-press setup that demands repeated sprints. A gluteal strain affects exactly those movements. The staff will assess by mid-week and lock a final decision before the May 26 club release window. Our FIFA News hub will track every confirmed update from Milanello and the camp.

Group D Outlook

The United States face Paraguay on June 12, then meet Australia and Turkiye in Group D. Each game suits a different Pulisic profile. Paraguay’s deep block requires craft and patience. Australia’s mid-block opens transitions. Turkiye’s press challenges the left-wing pair with verticality.

Pulisic’s release through the half-space is the cleanest way to crack a low block. His finishing decisions improved across qualifying. The captain is the player Pochettino needs in full rhythm before June 12.

What Happens Next

Milan visit Roma next, then close the league phase the following week. Both fixtures are now selection puzzles. The staff will likely hold Pulisic from at least one to protect the trip to USMNT camp. The federation expects the player on May 25 with a full medical handover from Milan.

The captain has stayed publicly calm through the goal drought and the new injury. He posted training updates and engaged with fans on the run-up to the home World Cup. The next milestone is camp arrival, then a full session, then a half on May 31. Each step rebuilds the rhythm before June 12.

Frequently Asked Questions

What injury did Christian Pulisic suffer?

Pulisic sustained a gluteal muscle strain during AC Milan training on May 9. The club ruled him out of the May 10 match against Atalanta as a precaution.

Will Pulisic play in the 2026 World Cup?

Yes, Pulisic remains the United States captain and is on track for the World Cup. The current injury is described as precautionary and does not threaten his roster spot.

When does USMNT open the World Cup?

The United States open Group D against Paraguay on June 12. They warm up with friendlies against Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6.

How long has Pulisic been in a goal drought?

His last club goal came against Hellas Verona on December 28. The drought is the longest stretch of his senior career, although international form remained steady through 2026.

Who replaces Pulisic if he is not fit for the opener?

Pochettino has options at left wing including Tim Weah, Diego Luna, and Folarin Balogun shifted wider. The staff will only switch the starter if a fresh setback occurs in camp.