U.S. Soccer's Pulisic Suffered Lower Leg Fracture Against Belgium

FAYETTEVILLE, GA — United States star Christian Pulisic will be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a lower leg injury during the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup loss to Belgium.

U.S. Soccer announced Thursday that Pulisic was diagnosed with a microfracture and bone bruise of the tibia/fibula in his right leg following the Americans’ 4-1 loss in the Round of 16.

"U.S. Soccer and AC Milan will be collaborating on his recovery plan," U.S. Soccer said in a statement.

Pulisic underwent an X-ray and MRI on Tuesday after sustaining the injury early in the second half against Belgium. The injury happened in the 52nd minute when Pulisic attempted a shot on goal but struck the back of Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans’ leg.

The AC Milan attacker attempted to continue playing but was eventually substituted in the 59th minute, shortly after Belgium extended its lead on a goal from Hans Vanaken following a mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese.

“I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” Pulisic said after the match. “I mean, whatever. I have time to rest. It’s just an unfortunate way to finish.”

The injury ended a difficult tournament physically for Pulisic, who dealt with multiple setbacks during and leading up to the World Cup. He suffered a calf injury during training two days before the United States’ opening match against Paraguay and aggravated it during the game, forcing him to come off at halftime.

Pulisic missed the following match against Australia before returning with a 32-minute appearance against Türkiye. He returned to the starting lineup in the Round of 32 and played 88 minutes in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Pulisic is expected to miss four to six weeks and could return to training with AC Milan sometime in August.

The 27-year-old will begin his recovery as Milan prepares for its first season under new manager Ruben Amorim. AC Milan opens its season Aug. 23 against Torino.