Christian Pulisic is facing several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a right leg injury during the United States’ World Cup defeat to Belgium.
The U.S. Soccer Federation said Thursday that Pulisic sustained a bone bruise along with a microfracture of the tibia and fibula. The injury was confirmed following an X-ray and MRI performed Tuesday.
Had the Americans moved on in the tournament, Pulisic would not have been available for the remaining matches.
He is expected to return to training ahead of AC Milan’s Serie A opener against Torino on Aug. 23.
The injury occurred in the 52nd minute of Monday’s 4-1 round-of-16 loss in Seattle, when Pulisic struck the leg of Belgium captain Youri Tielemans while attempting a shot. Although he stayed on the field initially, he was visibly limping and was replaced by Sebastian Berhalter in the 59th minute.
Pulisic did not score during the World Cup. He missed one of the United States’ five matches because of a calf injury and exited two other games early. He has recorded 30 goals in 90 appearances for the national team.
Pulisic, who will turn 28 in September, is preparing for his fourth season with AC Milan.
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