Christian Pulisic is reportedly "upset" about not yet playing for AC Milan this season, according to coach Ruben Amorim. The American forward has been listed as a substitute in all three of AC Milan's matches so far but has not seen any game time.
Amorim stated at a press conference Friday that Pulisic's lack of minutes is due to his recovery from a bone bruise and microfracture in his right tibia, an injury sustained after the United States' exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "He is angry because he has had zero minutes so far and I like that in my players," Amorim said, per GOAL. "Don’t forget that he had an injury in the summer and then in the first training session he took a knock and had to stop."
Pulisic is expected to make his debut for AC Milan this weekend, though Amorim did not confirm if he would start. "You will see him tomorrow, I don’t know whether from the start or during the game. I think he will play a few minutes."
Despite Pulisic's status as a prominent player, Amorim emphasized that he will not alter his team selection based solely on a player's name. "I will not take out those who are doing well just to put in a ‘name’: this is my way of managing the group and I will die with these principles," Amorim told reporters. "Pulisic is very important for me. After the international break there are eight weeks with three games a week: everyone will be tired because of how much they will play. Pulisic is important and he will play a lot of matches. But you have to understand the context and my history to understand why I make certain choices. But you will see Pulisic from this weekend onwards."
Amorim, who took over as AC Milan's coach this season, has led the team to two wins and a draw in their opening matches without Pulisic. He previously managed in Portugal, earning two Primeira Liga manager of the year awards. Pulisic is in his fourth season with AC Milan, having previously been a regular starter in his first two seasons before appearing in 30 games, starting 18, during the 2025-2026 season.