Christian Pulisic and American Players Make Strides Despite Injuries

Just under a month after suffering an injury while on international duty against Australia, Christian Pulisic has resumed training and is poised to participate in the upcoming match against Parma. Although it is unlikely he will start, La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates he may come on during the final hour of the game. Regardless of whether he plays for an hour or just 15 minutes, this is a positive development for both his club and the national team, even though he was not included in the November USMNT squad. Initial reports about his injury had raised concerns, but the fact that he has only been sidelined for a few weeks rather than months is encouraging.

The Italian publication also highlighted several factors influencing Pulisic’s absence from the USMNT and AC Milan’s decision to deploy him this weekend. While Max Allegri has not commented publicly, Gazzetta noted that the upcoming Derby della Madonnina on November 23—always a top priority for the club—played a role in managing his recovery. Pulisic has been a standout performer for Milan this season, contributing four goals and two assists in six league matches. In his absence, the team has secured just one victory in their last four outings, including a disappointing draw against Pisa. Saturday’s match against 16th-placed Parma offers Allegri an opportunity to explore different tactics and assess available options ahead of the derby.

Furthermore, the report mentioned that Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani personally negotiated with U.S. Soccer to allow Pulisic to skip the November matches and focus on regaining full fitness, shedding light on why he remained in Italy.

On the other hand, Benjamin Cremaschi’s Parma will not simply accept being treated as a warm-up opponent. With only one win this season, they currently sit just above the relegation zone. The 19-year-old American, who has played only 14 minutes since his transfer from Inter Miami, is eager for more playing time. Given that Parma has scored merely five goals this campaign—equivalent to Cremaschi’s total during the U-20 World Cup—there seems to be a strong possibility that he could soon receive an opportunity.

Cardoso has returned to Atlético Madrid’s matchday squad as of November 1 after a lengthy absence due to injury, but he has yet to feature in either of the club’s two matches this month—comfortable victories over Sevilla and Union SG. His return coincided with a productive phase for Atlético, which scored six goals in those fixtures, yet he remains without minutes since recovering. Cardoso joined from Real Betis for $34.8 million earlier this year.

Last season, Cardoso was one of La Liga’s most consistent central midfielders, playing a crucial role in helping Betis reach the Europa Conference League final. Expectations were high following his transfer to Madrid, yet he struggled to find form before his injury, and Atlético’s performances have improved during his absence. With the World Cup approaching, securing regular playing time will be essential for the American international to regain his rhythm.

Atlético will face 16th-place Levante this weekend after their midweek Champions League match, and they are expected to rotate the squad. This could pave the way for Cardoso’s return to action. Should he remain on the bench, questions regarding his future role—along with the potential for a loan in January—may begin to arise.

Not long ago, Richards’ Crystal Palace were viewed as one of the early success stories of the Premier League season. In September, the Eagles found themselves in a Champions League position after a 2-1 victory over then-league leaders Liverpool. However, they have since recorded only one league win—a result against Brentford on November 1. The difference has largely been in defensive performance; during the club’s strong start, Palace conceded just two goals and recorded two clean sheets across their opening four matches, averaging only 0.50 goals against per game. Since October, that average has risen to 1.50. Expected goals against per 90 minutes (xGA/90) has remained relatively consistent, shifting slightly from 1.28 to 1.47.

This trend suggests a broader concern regarding squad depth. Last season, Palace benefitted from a stable defense, partly due to a lighter fixture schedule. This year, their participation in Europe has stretched the squad, which added limited reinforcements following several summer departures.

Manager Oliver Glasner recently voiced his frustration with U.S. Soccer for not accommodating his request to rest Richards, who has been managing a minor injury. Despite being one of the top defenders on the national team, Richards was left out of the USMNT’s November squad. Nonetheless, he has continued to play regularly for Palace, logging 90 minutes in each of the club’s four matches since the last international break.

This weekend, Palace will host a resurgent Brighton side. The Seagulls, who initially struggled after key offseason departures, have regained their form, with former Inter Miami winger Diego Gómez scoring twice against Leeds last week. Brighton is currently one point behind Palace, sitting in 10th place.

Depending on other results, Palace can rise as high as fourth. Maintaining that momentum will hinge on whether Richards can continue to perform throughout this demanding period.

Similarly, Malik Tillman has returned to action after suffering an injury during the last international break, participating in Bayer Leverkusen’s 1-0 Champions League triumph over Benfica.

Tillman’s start at his new Bundesliga club has been inconsistent. The manager who initially recruited him, Erik ten Hag, was dismissed after three matches, and the attacking midfielder has since been working to establish himself under new coach Kasper Hjulmand. Prior to his injury, Tillman delivered one of his stronger performances during the United States’ friendly against Ecuador, assisting Folarin Balogun on the equalizing goal.

He came off the bench against Benfica, playing for 34 minutes. With Leverkusen set to face last-place 1. FC Heidenheim on Saturday, he may have the opportunity for additional playing time. The 23-year-old has already scored two goals in the Bundesliga this season, following a successful campaign in which he netted 12 goals for PSV Eindhoven last year.