Scans reveal true extent of Christian Pulisic injury after being told to ‘rest when playing career is over’

Some people might want to direct an apology towards Christian Pulisic.

The USMNT midfielder endured a difficult 2026 World Cup campaign, and was substituted in the 59th minute of the tournament co-hosts’ 4-1 defeat to Belgium.

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The 27-year-old’s performances throughout the tournament drew heavy criticism from many, including that of USMNT legend Landon Donovan.

However, it has since been revealed that Pulisic suffered a microfracture in his leg during Monday night’s defeat.

According to a report from The Athletic, he suffered a bone bruise and microfracture in his leg, which is set to sideline him for several weeks.

The positive news is that he is not expected to miss months of action.

The AC Milan star appeared to suffer the injury in the 52nd minute after he wound up to take a shot on the edge of the penalty area, only to end up kicking the back of the calf of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans.

Although he tried to play through the injury for a further 10 minutes, he was unable to continue, and was visibly upset and in tears when walking off the pitch.

“I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” he said after the match.

He was later seen using crutches to aid his walking as the U.S. team arrived back at the team hotel.

Had the USMNT advanced to the quarterfinals, Pulisic would have been unable to play any further role in their pursuit of World Cup glory.

Carli Lloyd’s comments brought into disrepute

Two-time World Cup winner with the USWNT was another to have criticized Pulisic for his lack of desire shown throughout the tournament.

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In fact, she took to X after the USMNT’s elimination and posted a tweet indirectly referring to Pulisic which read, “You rest when your playing career is over. Period.”

Having been a part of FOX Sports’ broadcasting team for the Round of 16 clash, Lloyd specifically called out Pulisic – who has been dubbed as ‘Captain America’ – by name for not stepping up for his team when the lights on him were at their brightest.

“I felt that they lost the game before they even stepped out onto the pitch, and I’m not sure why, and I don’t know the reasons,” Lloyd shared post-game with FOX.

“Just from the beginning, chasing, tentative, scared. Just not confident on the ball.

“Big time players – you want some of those big time players to step up in big moments. And I’ve got to be honest. I was a bit disappointed with Christian Pulisic.

“Whether he wants to be the star of this team or not, we didn’t see enough from him in this particular game, and really the whole World Cup. There were a little glimpses here and there.”

Pulisic is expected to return to action sometime in August, which means that he could be back in training ahead of the 2026-27 Serie A campaign with Milan, should he remain with the club beyond the end of the current transfer window.

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