Milan names squad for Leeds United and Chelsea friendlies: Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez included — But what about Christian Pulisic?

The matches will see Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez potentially make their first appearances in red and black this summer. However, there is one burning question that fans can’t ignore: what about Christian Pulisic? 

As Milan prepares for its final two friendlies before the 2025-26 season kicks off, the Rossoneri have announced the squad for this weekend’s clashes against Leeds United and Chelsea. The matches will see Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez potentially make their first appearances in red and black this summer. However, there is one burning question that fans can’t ignore: what about Christian Pulisic? 

His name’s absence or inclusion has been the subject of much speculation in recent days, and Milan’s announcement has only heightened the intrigue. Fans have been anxiously waiting for an update, as the American winger’s fitness has been in doubt since he picked up an ankle injury in pre-season. The games, to be played in Dublin on Saturday and London on Sunday, will serve as the last chance for head coach Massimiliano Allegri to fine-tune his tactics before competitive action begins.

The two matches mark the culmination of a pre-season that has already seen the Italians face Premier League opposition such as Liverpool and Arsenal in the Far East, followed by a 9-0 demolition of Perth Glory in Australia. Allegri’s men remain an unpredictable force — losing to Arsenal, then beating Liverpool — and the back-to-back fixtures will push the squad’s depth to the limit.

Leeds, recently promoted back to the Premier League as Championship winners, are riding a wave of optimism. Under Daniel Farke, the Whites have maintained their unbeaten pre-season form and will look to test themselves against the seven-time European champions at the Aviva Stadium.

Chelsea, meanwhile, is in a period of resurgence under Enzo Maresca. After lifting the Europa Conference League and the new-format Club World Cup, the Blues are brimming with confidence — especially after their 3-0 win over PSG, who many considered the best team in the world.

Allegri’s squad management plan

Playing two games in under 48 hours means Allegri will rotate heavily. Several players from Milan Futuro have been included to ensure the team’s main stars are not overworked.

Notable inclusions are Modric, who joined the squad on Tuesday, and Gimenez, the Mexican forward entering his first summer preparations with the Rossoneri after having joined in January. Both are likely to be eased into action to build match fitness ahead of competitive fixtures.

The Pulisic question — answered

The suspense over Christian Pulisic’s availability has been put to rest — and not in the way Rossoneri fans were hoping. La Gazzetta dello Sport previously suggested, “Pulisic is still not fully fit and is still suffering from discomfort in the ankle he sustained in the friendly against Liverpool in Hong Kong, which caused him to miss the Perth game.”

The American’s rehabilitation is progressing as planned, and there are no concerns about long-term complications, according to a report from MilanNews. Everything is moving according to plan as he is following a customised regimen. The American winger’s ongoing treatment means he will not be part of the squad for the weekend’s friendlies against Leeds and Chelsea.

This absence will come as a blow to Milan supporters eager to see him in action before the season begins. However, Allegri will be counting on other attacking options, such as Rafael Leao, Noah Okafor, and Santiago Gimenez, to lead the charge. According to the article, the American is expected to be fit to play in next week’s Coppa Italia match against Bari.