Pulisic Sidelined as Milan Faces Juventus in Crucial Serie A Clash

MILAN, Italy — AC Milan will be without star winger Christian Pulisic for their pivotal Serie A match against Juventus on Saturday, head coach Sérgio Conceição confirmed Friday. Pulisic, who sustained a thigh injury during Milan’s midweek victory, will miss the clash as the club prioritizes his recovery.

“Pulisic is out,” Conceição said during a press conference. “I don’t feel like bluffing. He still feels some discomfort, and we don’t want to risk it. It’s nothing serious, but if he plays for about 20 minutes, he risks making the situation worse, and I don’t want that.”

The 26-year-old American was substituted just before halftime in Wednesday’s match after being caught on the ankle. Pulisic had only recently returned from a month-long absence due to a torn calf muscle and a minor ankle issue. His comeback included scoring in the Italian Super Cup, which Milan won, and contributing significantly to the team’s recent form.

This season, Pulisic has been a standout performer for Milan, tallying five goals and four assists in Serie A and adding three goals in the Champions League. His absence leaves a significant void in the squad as they prepare to face Juventus, who are unbeaten in the league this season but have drawn 13 of their 20 games.

Milan, currently seventh in Serie A, trail Juventus by three points and two places in the standings. The match at Allianz Stadium is crucial for both teams as they vie for a stronger position in the league table.

In Pulisic’s absence, Conceição has opted to start Yunus Musah on the right wing instead of Alex Jimenez. Musah, who has been described as a more defensive option, will face scrutiny as he steps into a key role against Juventus. The decision was finalized after Friday’s training session at Milanello.

Meanwhile, Juventus will field Weston McKennie at left-back, adding an intriguing subplot to the match as the two American internationals could find themselves in direct competition.

Milan’s clash with Juventus is set to kick off at 6 p.m. local time on Saturday, with both teams eager to secure vital points in their pursuit of Serie A glory.