Reports before the match suggest that Christian Pulisic will be unavailable for Milan’s upcoming Serie A fixture against Atalanta on Sunday evening. This situation likely presents a final opportunity for Rafael Leao to make an impact.
Pulisic’s Absence Creates Opportunity for Leao Against Atalanta
AC Milan’s coach is anticipated to make several changes to his starting lineup for Sunday’s game against Atalanta, following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Sassuolo last weekend. Initial newspaper speculation indicated that the coach planned to replace both starting forwards, with Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez coming in for Leao and Christopher Nkunku.
However, according to updates from Gianluca Di Marzio, Pulisic experienced a gluteal muscle issue during the final training session before the Atalanta match. As a result, he is now expected to be omitted from the matchday squad on Sunday.
The full extent of Pulisic’s injury is yet to be determined, and further information is anticipated in due course. This year has been a challenging one for Pulisic, who had scored eight league goals in the first half of the 2025-26 season but has not found the back of the net for club or country since the start of the new year.
Leao has also been experiencing a difficult period, with nine Serie A goals for the season but no goals in his last seven league appearances. It had been speculated that he would be dropped for the Atalanta match, with rumors of a potential summer transfer. However, Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Leao will be given another chance to impress on Sunday, stepping in for the injured Pulisic.