### Pulisic's Injury Overshadows USMNT Victory Against Australia Christian Pulisic, a key player for both AC Milan and the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT), suffered a right hamstring injury during a friendly match against Australia on October 15, 2025. The injury occurred in the first half of the game, which the U.S. won 2-1, effectively ending Australia's unbeaten streak under coach Tony Popovic. AC Milan has confirmed that an MRI revealed a low-grade tear in Pulisic's hamstring, and he is expected to be reevaluated in about ten days, with a potential return for the city derby against Inter Milan on November 23 being a target. The incident has led to frustration from AC Milan towards USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino regarding the circumstances of the injury [https://apnews.com/article/usmnt-milan-pulisic-injury-52f4d643d17caa72a273cfc53ac23621][https://www.themirror.com/sport/soccer/christian-pulisic-mauricio-pochettino-injury-1450233]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Reactions 1. **Injury Details**: - Pulisic left the match against Australia midway through the first half due to a suspected hamstring injury [https://www.wgal.com/article/pa-hershey-pulisic-hamstring-injury/69044656]. - An MRI scan confirmed a low-grade tear in his right hamstring [https://apnews.com/article/usmnt-milan-pulisic-injury-52f4d643d17caa72a273cfc53ac23621]. 2. **Match Context**: - The U.S. secured a 2-1 victory over Australia, with Haji Wright scoring both goals [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/Pulisic-injured-as-US-end-Australias-unbeaten-run-in-Denver]. - This match was significant as it marked the end of Australia's unbeaten run under their current coach [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/international-football/usa-vs-australia-friendly-christian-pulisic-injury-fitness-update/article70165862.ece]. 3. **Reactions from AC Milan**: - AC Milan expressed displeasure towards Pochettino and the USMNT for the injury, indicating a lack of communication regarding player fitness [https://www.themirror.com/sport/soccer/christian-pulisic-mauricio-pochettino-injury-1450233]. - The club is now focused on Pulisic's recovery and potential return for the upcoming derby against Inter Milan [https://apnews.com/article/usmnt-milan-pulisic-injury-52f4d643d17caa72a273cfc53ac23621]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Timeline**: - Pulisic's injury was confirmed on October 17, 2025, with a reevaluation scheduled in ten days [https://apnews.com/article/usmnt-milan-pulisic-injury-52f4d643d17caa72a273cfc53ac23621]. - The target return date for Pulisic is November 23, 2025, for the Milan derby [https://apnews.com/article/usmnt-milan-pulisic-injury-52f4d643d17caa72a273cfc53ac23621]. - **Match Statistics**: - The U.S. defeated Australia 2-1, with Haji Wright scoring both goals, showcasing the team's offensive capabilities despite Pulisic's absence [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/Pulisic-injured-as-US-end-Australias-unbeaten-run-in-Denver]. ### Conclusion and Implications In summary, **Christian Pulisic's hamstring injury during a friendly match against Australia has raised concerns for both AC Milan and the USMNT**. The injury not only affects Pulisic's immediate playing schedule but also highlights the ongoing tension between club and national team responsibilities. 1. Pulisic's injury is confirmed as a low-grade hamstring tear, with a reevaluation set for ten days [https://apnews.com/article/usmnt-milan-pulisic-injury-52f4d643d17caa72a273cfc53ac23621]. 2. The U.S. managed to secure a victory against Australia, ending their unbeaten streak [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/Pulisic-injured-as-US-end-Australias-unbeaten-run-in-Denver]. 3. AC Milan's frustration with the USMNT's handling of Pulisic's fitness could lead to future complications in player management [https://www.themirror.com/sport/soccer/christian-pulisic-mauricio-pochettino-injury-1450233]. The situation underscores the delicate balance between club and international commitments for professional athletes.