USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino has been asked to ignore Christian Pulisic for upcoming fixtures

Martin Macdonald

• 27 Oct 2025 16:00 CDT
• 3 min read

News

Italian giants Milan have reportedly requested to USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino that Christian Pulisic be left out of the squad for the upcoming international break.

This season, the American has emerged as a key player for the Rossoneri but is currently rehabilitating an injury that was suffered while on international duty with the United States.

In a fixture against Australia, Pulisic suffered a slight tear in his thigh and hasn't played for club or country since. He is reportedly progressing well but Milan are desperate for their player to be fit and firing for the Milan derby against Inter on 23rd in November.

With Santiago Gimenez not impressing, head coach Massimiliano Allegri hopes to partner Pulisic and Rafael Leao as much as possible up top for the remainder of the campaign.

There is an upcoming international break between 10 November and 18 November.

In that period, the USA have friendly fixtures versus Paraguay and Uruguay. As hosts of the 2026 World Cup, the USA's schedule is largely made up of uncompetitive matches as they have already qualified for the tournament.

With that in mind, Milan are hoping that Pulisic is looked over by Pochettino for the break, according to Calciomercato.

Pulisic could return to action for Milan this weekend against Roma or potentially versus Parma, but the club still want him to be given a rest over the international break.

A rift between Landon Donovan and Pulisic?

USMNT legend Landon Donovan previously shot down suggestions he has a problem with Pulisic.

During the summer, the former Dortmund and Chelsea star made the controversial decision to withdraw from the United States squad for the 2025 Gold Cup, citing a preference to rest and recover following a long season with Milan.

Responding to criticism for the decision, Pulisic told CBS Sports: You can talk about my performances, whatever you want, but to question my commitment — especially towards the national team — in my opinion, that’s way out of line. My body started talking to me… Was [it right] to play eight more games and then get no rest at all? That’s not what I thought was best for my body.”

Donovan, without naming names took umbrage with Pulisic's comments and decision, saying on Fox Sports:

"This is what it means to represent your country… If you don’t want to take this seriously and responsibly, then don’t come in. I can’t help but think about some of our guys on vacation… It’s pissing me off.”

Pulisic is certainly benefitting from having the summer off as he has been excellent for Milan in the 2025/26 campaign, before his injury.

In six league games so far, he has scored four goals and recorded two assists and also has a couple of goals in the Italian Cup.

Since joining Milan from Chelsea, he has 49 goal contributions in Serie A.

It is this kind of form that leads USMNT fans to believe that the forward will be crucial to their fortunes at the 2026 World Cup, which happens to be partly based in the United States.

Amid Pulisic's form, Donovan looked to clarify his stance on the player.

“One of my friends texted me and they’re like ‘Landon, last week you were signing Christian’s praises and I thought you hated him and I thought you wanted him gone,'" the USMNT icon said on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast.

"And I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ I want this guy to succeed at the highest high, this is why I’m disappointed with some of the decisions he’s made.

“Because he has this possibility - and I want to see that with the national team. So, like, I’m not going to say I’m his biggest fan because his friends and family all are, but we all want him to succeed at that. And he is flying right now, so long may it continue.”

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