Christian Pulisic receives positive news about his injury, but his return against Pisa in Serie A involves a catch

There is a cautious optimism within Milan‘s walls like Christian Pulisic comes closer to a potential return, but certainty is deliberately omitted. After weeks marked by frustration, absences and improvised solutions, the club has received a positive update on the American’s recovery. But as preparations slowly move towards the upcoming Serie A trip to Pisa, one unresolved factor remains hanging over the decision-making process, holding back guarantees.

Christian Pulisic’s importance to Milan has been clear all season. Even in his absence, his influence shapes tactical choices, rotations and risk management. With the calendar offering a rare break, the club finally has breathing room. However, patience, not urgency, is the guiding principle.

This campaign has tested the Rossoneri’s depth and resilience more than expected. Under Massimiliano Allegri, continuity was elusive, especially in attack. Two players, Rafael Leao and Pulisic, above all others, have symbolized this instabilityrepeatedly sidelined and rarely available together.

When one returned, the other disappeared. When the team seemed ready to build momentum, another setback followed. The result was a broken rhythm that limited Milan’s ability to consistently field its strongest attacking configuration.

Nevertheless, recent results are encouraging. The comfortable win over Bologna provided reassurance, even if none of the star wingers played a decisive role. The American star was not in the selection at all, while Leao remained unused on the bench.

Pulisic is working on recovery while others are resting

After that win, Allegri gave his players a number of days off, a reward made possible by a break in the schedule. Officially Milanello was closed. In reality it was anything but empty. According to Transfer market, a small group volunteered for individual recovery sessionswhere free time is used as an opportunity rather than a holiday. Among them were Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, Alexis Saelemaekers and Santiago Gimenez – all dealing with various physical problems.

“For the star couple Pulisic and Leao, this break in the matches is a gift,” noted Transfer market, which underlines how valuable the extra days before Pisa can be. This quiet dedication speaks volumes about the mentality. This is not the first time this group has worked through a planned rest period, and it underlines how seriously the situation is being treated internally.

AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic warms up before the Serie A match.

The hidden detail finally emerges

Only now is the full picture starting to take shape. The 27-year-old USMNT international followed a specific recovery plan carefully designed by Allegri and the medical staffwith the intention of making him available for the match against Pisa. Reports suggest he is making good progress, is close to full fitness and is increasingly likely to rejoin the squad.

However, Milan will not rush the final step. La Gazzetta dello Sport explains that The American situation remains the most vulnerablewith daily monitoring to prevent recurrence. The strategy is clear: zero unnecessary risk, even if that means delaying his return for another match.

This is where the last variable comes in. According to The Corriere dello Sport, The way the club handles Pulisic’s return will largely depend on whether Christopher Nkunku can be decisive again. If the French forward continues his recent form, the manager can afford to be patient and manage minutes carefully rather than forcing immediate starts.

‘Allegri will ask Nkunku to be decisive again’ wrote Corriere dello Sport, “Precisely to give Pulisic and Leao more time to recover.” Nkunku’s situation has changed dramatically. He once seemed destined for a January departure, but now he plays a central role in the short-term balance of the Reds and the Blacks. His recent scoring run, which equaled his previous 48 league appearances in just six games, has reshaped the narrative.