Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images

Why Is Christian Pulisic Not Playing Tonight for AC Milan vs. Como?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Hartnett | Last updated Jan 15, 2026 3:26 PM ET

United States men's national team star Christian Pulisic started Thursday's Serie A match against Como on the bench for AC Milan.

The 27-year-old attacker has been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue and wasn't deemed 100 percent fit to start by I Rossoneri manager Massimiliano Allegri.

Hamstring troubles caused Pulisic to miss a month of action earlier in the 2025-26 season. Allegri has been careful with the Pulisic's workload and opted to start Rafael Leão and Christopher Nkunku up front.

Pulisic’s Fitness Is Crucial to AC Milan’s Scudetto Hopes

MILAN, ITALY - DECEMBER 28: Christian Pulisic of Milan celebrates his goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images

AC Milan entered the match in second place in the Serie A standings with 40 points collected through 19 games.

Rivals Inter Milan lead the Italian top flight with 46 points through 20 matches played. Inter narrowly pulled off a 1-0 victory against 17th-placed Lecce at the San Siro on Wednesday.

Pulisic has been highly productive when fit this season. He has scored 10 goals in 18 appearances for Il Diavolo across all competitions.

The Hershey, Pennsylvania native has recorded 42 goals through his first 118 appearances since joining AC Milan in the summer of 2023.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: