USMNT star Christian Pulisic forced out with injury in first half of Milan's Serie A clash with Como

U.S. international star Christian Pulisic had to be subbed off at halftime after sustaining an injury in the first half of AC Milan's match against Como.

The injury occurred just moments before halftime after Pulisic dueled with Como's Marc-Oliver Kempf over the ball. After the two came together, Pulisic immediately reached for his leg and headed toward the sideline to receive treatment from the Milan staff. The U.S. men's national team star would be taken out at halftime to be replaced by Tammy Abraham.

The match against Como was his fourth of the new year and fourth since returning from a previous calf injury that kept him out for nearly all of December.

Pulisic has been critical for Milan this season, and any potential lay-off will no doubt prove costly for the Rossoneri.

The USMNT star is tied for the team lead in both Serie A goals and assists while his two goals in the Supercoppa Italiana helped lead Milan to that trophy earlier this month. In addition, Pulisic leads Milan in Champions League goals this season with three.

Milan are heading into a crucial point in their season, with the club currently eighth in Serie A. Their early-season struggles led to Paulo Fonseca's exit in December, and new boss Sergio Conceicao will now have a major problem on his hands with key Serie A and Champions League matches on the horizon.

Pulisic's status will be in doubt for a massive match this weekend. Milan's next Serie A date will come against some familiar foes in USMNT stars Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus, with both teams fighting for European spots.

After that, Milan then have the Champions League to worry about as they host to Girona on Jan. 22 as they battle for a spot in the next round.