The Pulisic problem is becoming AC Milan's most pressing concern. The American attacker has not played a single minute across the first three Serie A games, and manager Ruben Amorim was blunt after the 1-1 draw at Juventus on Sunday: "In this moment, he cannot play," the Portuguese told reporters, offering little reassurance about when Pulisic might return. Until December 2025 he was the team's driving force, which makes his absence all the more damaging.

The draw at the Allianz Stadium reflected Milan's wider creative struggles. Amorim's side were flat and predictable for long stretches, with Rabiot pushed forward and Saelemaekers both failing to provide the spark the team needed. The only real quality came from substitute Alphadjo Cissé, whose composed finish gave Milan the lead before Federico Gatti's late header cancelled it out. Amorim admitted afterwards that his team did not deserve to win, a candid assessment that points to real tactical questions on the attacking third.

With Pulisic out and the trequarti options unconvincing, Chukwueze's return from Fulham is emerging as a potential solution, with the Nigerian winger now starting to convince Amorim on the left side of midfield. Milan sit fifth in Serie A on seven points after three games, level with Juventus. The next test comes Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico against Lazio, a match that will tell plenty about whether Amorim can find answers before the problems deepen.