Dropped already? USMNT star Christian Pulisic to be benched by AC Milan for Champions League clash with Newcastle

Posted Monday, September 18, 2023 by Goal.com

Christian Pulisic is reportedly set to be dropped to the bench by AC Milan for their 2023-24 Champions League opener against Newcastle.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international is among those set to pay the price for failing to make an impact in a humiliating 5-1 derby defeat to arch-rivals Inter. Change is on the cards on the back of that disastrous display in Serie A.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

According to Sky Sport Italia, Stefano Pioli has spent the 24 hours after suffering a humbling setback against the Nerazzurri mulling over his options. He is expected to tinker with his starting XI for a home date with Newcastle on Tuesday.

DID YOU KNOW?

Pulisic is said to be among those under threat, with the USMNT star set to be denied an early reunion with Premier League opponents that he faced on a regular basis across four years at Chelsea. He may figure at some point against the Magpies, but it is claimed that Nigeria international winger Samuel Chukwueze is poised to get the nod on the right wing.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Fikayo Tomori, who was suspended against Inter, is set to slot back in as Simon Kjaer drops out. Pulisic will be disappointed if he does find himself on the bench, with the 24-year-old having scored in back-to-back Serie A games at the start of the season.