Ruben Amorim confirms Christian Pulisic’s return for AC Milan against Lazio

Christian Pulisic has been watching from the bench for three straight Serie A matches. That streak ends Saturday.

AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed on September 11 that Pulisic will feature in the club’s trip to face Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, marking the 27-year-old’s first competitive action of the 2026-27 season. Pulisic has been sidelined since suffering a micro-fracture and bone bruise in his right leg during the USMNT’s Round-of-16 loss to Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.

A frustrated star gets his chance

Pulisic has been an unused substitute in all three of Milan’s opening league fixtures. Amorim spoke positively about Pulisic’s eagerness to get back on the pitch, describing the winger’s impatience as a desirable trait.

Amorim has underscored Pulisic’s importance within his tactical setup, suggesting the American fits naturally into his system as an inverted winger. For those unfamiliar with the term, that means Pulisic, a right-footed player typically deployed on the left side, can cut inside onto his stronger foot to create shooting and passing angles.

Pulisic’s Milan journey so far

Pulisic arrived at AC Milan from Chelsea in 2023, and his impact was felt almost immediately. The American delivered double-digit goal contributions in his first two seasons at San Siro. He scored 10 goals during the 2025-26 campaign, a respectable return even though the season was disrupted by fitness issues.

Then came the World Cup. Playing on home soil for the USMNT, Pulisic suffered the right leg micro-fracture and bone bruise against Belgium that cut short both his international summer and his preparation for the new club season.

What this means for Milan’s season

Amorim’s arrival at Milan brought a new tactical philosophy and fresh expectations. Having Pulisic available adds a dimension to the attack that the team has been missing in its opening fixtures. Amorim has made it clear he considers Pulisic central to his plans as an inverted winger who can both score and create.

Milan’s schedule after the September international break is packed, and getting Pulisic integrated now gives Amorim more options during the congested fixture period ahead.

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