Christian Pulisic injury update: Will Milan star recover in time to be ready for Coppa Italia clash vs. Bari and Serie A start?

That is the question on every Rossoneri fan’s mind ahead of the team’s first competitive game of the 2025-26 season.

Will Christian Pulisic be fit to play in Milan’s Coppa Italia clash against Bari and the Serie A opener? That is the question on every Rossoneri fan’s mind ahead of the team’s first competitive game of the 2025-26 season.

While uncertainty surrounds the American forward’s availability, one thing is already certain—San Siro will be buzzing. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, over 53,000 tickets have been sold for the Coppa Italia round of 32 clash on Sunday, a figure that has prompted the club to open extra seating.

The ticket surge is even more remarkable considering the game is not included in the 2025-26 season ticket package, as it is not a Serie A fixture. Yet the Rossoneri faithful are showing up in force, eager to witness Massimiliano Allegri’s first home game since his return to the club, even though the coach will be watching from the stands due to suspension.

For Milan, the match marks the first step in a new chapter following a turbulent campaign. Last season, the Rossoneri finished eighth in Serie A, their worst league position in a decade, despite a summer of marquee signings. A heartbreaking defeat to Bologna in the Coppa Italia final compounded the misery, denying them silverware and leaving them without European action for the first time since 2019-20.

Now, bolstered by a reshaped squad that includes Luka Modric and other high-profile additions, the club is targeting a return to the upper echelons of Italian soccer. The home tie against Bari offers a chance to begin that journey with purpose.

When will Pulisic return?

With so much riding on the season’s start, the fitness of Christian Pulisic has been a pressing concern for both fans and management. The winger had picked up an ankle injury during a pre-season win over Liverpool in Hong Kong, missing the recent friendlies against Leeds United and Chelsea. His absence sparked fears of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

But the suspense is over—and the news is good. As MilanNews reported, and as confirmed by training ground images, the American has made a full recovery. He has rejoined the main group for back-to-back sessions, indicating that his omission from the weekend fixtures was purely precautionary.

In the words of MilanNews: “The Rossoneri were taking no risks with one of their most important attacking pieces, especially for matches with no points on the line.” For Allegri, it is a timely boost ahead of a campaign where every attacking option will matter.