The Scudetto battle is on the line in a crucial Serie A match against Como at San Siro Christian Pulisic is back in the spotlight as Milan gets ready for the match. As pressure mounts and the season enters a decisive phase, questions surrounding his absence from the starting line-up have sparked intrigue among fans and analysts alike.
The clash comes at a crucial time for Milan, who are chasing arch-rivals Inter at the top of the table and cannot afford to drop points. But as kick-off approaches, one of the most influential attacking players is missing from the starting lineup.
The rescheduled Match Day 24 will take place on February 18 at San Siro, originally postponed due to the stadium’s involvement in the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. For the Rossoneri, this match represents an opportunity to close the gap with their city rivals and keep their title ambitions alive.
The opposition arrives under Cesc Fabregas with European ambitions of their own, seeking revenge after a recent defeat and aiming to reach the top six. The clash will be packed with storylines, tactical duels and historical context, with the hosts boasting a dominant record in the match and an impressive unbeaten run this season.
What’s more, Milan has been undefeated for 23 consecutive league matcheswith the only defeat on the opening day, while Como is winless in their last three games.
Why Pulisic isn’t starting
Midway through the build-up, the reason for Pulisic’s absence emerged, and it centers on fitness issues rather than tactical exclusion. “Apart from Rabiot, who is suspended, the others are feeling pretty good. Saelemaekers is available and I hope the same applies to Pulisic because he still feels uncomfortable. Let’s see if he will be there.” boss Massimiliano Allegri admitted this before the match.
The American star suffers from persistent physical discomfortwhich has affected his availability and consistency throughout the season. Although he has returned to action in recent weeks, the club is carefully managing his workload to avoid exacerbating existing problems, including recurring muscle problems.
Reports indicate that Allegri was faced with a choice between several attacking options and opted to prioritize player management, especially as other strikers such as Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku and Ruben Loftus-Cheek compete for a starting role.
AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic cheers on the fans
Season of impact despite setbacks
Despite his physical problems, Pulisic remains one of the club’s most productive players this season. He scored ten goals in all competitionsunderscoring his importance to Allegri’s tactical system and his ability to deliver results at decisive moments.
The 27-year-old’s absence from the starting line-up is not a sign of diminished status, but rather a reflection of careful management. Allegri’s cautious approach suggests the American winger is expected to play a crucial role in the decisive phase of the season once he is fully fit.
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