AC Milan ask Mauricio Pochettino not to call Christian Pulisic up to USMNT squad as injury return nears

Milan are in discussions with the United States Football Federation to request that Pulisic be left out of Pochettino's upcoming USMNT squad, according to a report from Calciomercato. The Rossoneri are eager to manage the winger's final stage of recovery at the club's headquarters ahead of the crucial derby clash with Inter after the international break.

Pulisic's return is seen as a vital solution for manager Allegri, who is reportedly enduring a strained relationship with striker Santiago Gimenez. The 27-year-old winger is recovering from a tear to the biceps femoris in his right thigh, an injury he sustained while on international duty during a friendly against Australia in the last break.

While the initial prognosis suggested a 20-day absence, his recovery may be slightly ahead of schedule. Pulisic will definitely miss Milan's upcoming Serie A fixture against Atalanta in Bergamo on Tuesday. However, he could be in contention for a return at San Siro against Roma on Sunday. If that match is deemed too soon, his return is considered certain for the following game against Parma.

Pulisic himself confirmed he is progressing well in a recent social media post, easing concerns over a long-term lay-off.

"It's been a tough couple of weeks, but my recovery is going great, and I can't wait to get back," the player wrote.

With Pulisic not expected to be 100 per cent fit before the international break, Milan have begun mediation with the US Federation. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the club has asked for Pulisic to be omitted from the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay.

At a minimum, Milan hope Pochettino will excuse the player from the second friendly against Uruguay, which is set to be played in New Jersey. The Rossoneri's primary motivation is the Derby della Madonnina against Inter, scheduled for the first weekend after the break. Having Pulisic remain at the club for a full training block is seen as a significant turning point for their preparations.

Pulisic’s return is viewed by Allegri as the key to solving his side's "striker problem." The report from Calciomercato states that the relationship between Allegri and striker Gimenez is at an "all-time low," with the Mexican international starting more from a lack of alternatives than tactical preference.

Allegri has reportedly been keen to deploy his ideal attacking duo of Pulisic and Leao, a partnership he has not been able to test this season due to successive injuries to both players. Before his injury, Pulisic was in strong form, registering four goals and two assists in six Serie A appearances.

While Pulisic focuses on his recovery, Milan must navigate their midweek clash with Atalanta without him. All eyes will then turn to his potential availability for the Roma fixture and the subsequent decision from USMNT coach Pochettino.

An exemption from international duty would be a major boost for Allegri as he looks to finally field his first-choice attack for the high-stakes derby against Inter.