AC Milan have been dealt a big blow by the injury news of Christian Pulisic, and the Rossoneri’s stats with him absent are not pretty to view.
As the numbers suggest, Milan have a reliance on Pulisic which has been too apparent for too long. Already this season, there have been worries about his condition and minutes, but these have come with messages of the Diavolo’s inability to do without the star.
With Rafael Leao still hit-and-miss, Pulisic’s consistency has been the one thing the Rossoneri could often rely on, and with him set to miss the next couple of games, there is now a void – one probably bigger than most would imagine.
As Calciomercato.com write, ‘Milan can’t win’ without the American. This season, the Rossoneri have drawn and lost on the two occasions where Pulisic has not played the full game (Napoli and Juventus), and unfortunately, the numbers were not better with Stefano Pioli at the helm.
Last season, Pulisic missed two games completely, and once again, Pioli’s side won neither: a draw with Lecce and a loss to Udinese.
Wednesday’s game, with respect, should not be a test for Paulo Fonseca’s side, but their reliance on Pulisic creates a cloud, and someone will have to prove themselves as the light – just as Pulisic did when Leao’s inconsistencies clouded the team’s performances.
More stats proving Pulisic is the most important and best player in the team.
Stats don’t tell the story for a midfielder playing behind a striker. It’s progressing the ball, ball movement and runs to receive the ball or open up space.
He’s the one guy Milan can’t afford to lose. Just another example of bad management by Fonseca. For what reason did he put Pulisic in during the cup game for 45 minutes after they were up 4-0? Glad it’s not long term or he’s not out against better teams.
There are a number of head-scratchers like that.
Exactly!!! Insane to field him in that Coppa Italia match! Maybe this injury could have been avoided.