Why Pulisic and Modric Are on Milan’s Bench Against Torino

Soccer Why Pulisic and Modric Are on Milan’s Bench Against Torino

By Ben Gale

August 23, 2026 • 5:50 PM EDT

Updated 13 days ago

Why Pulisic and Modric Are on Milan’s Bench Against Torino

There was major buzz when AC Milan revealed their lineup for the 2026-27 Serie A opener against Torino, and two names leaped out — or didn’t. Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric, two of the team’s most recognizable stars, started the match on the bench. If you’re wondering what’s behind these headline selections, let’s get straight to the reasons, and why this matters for bettors and fans alike.

Pulisic, fresh off a significant World Cup injury, is still not 100%. He suffered a microfracture and bone edema in the World Cup, damaging both his tibia and fibula. That’s not the kind of knock you walk off easily. He only returned to full training two days before Milan’s trip to Torino. With a short build-up and his long-term fitness in mind, head coach Ruben Amorim opted for caution. The move is about protecting his asset for the long haul, not risking reinjury on opening day. It’s a sensible call, even if it stings for USMNT fans eager to see their man back in action. According to WorldSoccerTalk, Amorim confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Alphadjo Cisse would get the nod as dual No. 10s, but Pulisic traveled and could play a part off the bench.

Luka Modric’s absence among the starters is more about tactics than health. Amorim has favored Ardon Jashari in preseason alongside Yunus Musah in the heart of midfield. Jashari was picked to start on opening day, underlining the Portuguese coach’s desire for energy and legs next to Musah. That makes sense if you look at Modric’s profile at this stage of his career. Still, a player like Modric is a luxury to have off the bench if things need changing late.

As if that wasn’t enough, Milan’s squad sheet had some even bigger omissions: Fikayo Tomori, Youssouf Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, and Rafael Leao were all left out entirely. The reason? All four are currently transfer-listed and negotiating exits, so Amorim is protecting both the club and the players from risk while deals get sorted.

Pulisic is benched due to recent injury and a limited return to training
Modric is a tactical exclusion, with Jashari preferred in midfield
Tomori, Fofana, Nkunku, and Leao left out due to ongoing transfer talks
Loftus-Cheek and Cisse take up creative midfield roles in Pulisic’s absence
Pulisic remains an option off the bench, hinting at a second-half cameo
Milan are managing their assets with an eye on the long season ahead

Why Are These Benchings So Important?

If you bet on player props or team outcomes, these lineup choices have massive implications. Pulisic’s limited fitness takes his anytime scorer prop and minute-based markets off the table for now. Modric’s benching signals a more dynamic midfield, so expect a different tempo and possibly more pressing from Milan. The transfer-listed absences mean Milan are essentially trialing a new core, and that can impact chemistry or form early in the season.

The Key Developments

AC Milan’s attack will look different, with Loftus-Cheek and Cisse in advanced positions.
Milan’s depth and adaptability will be tested with so many regulars missing.
Pulisic’s potential impact will likely come late, possibly against tired Torino legs.
The midfield energy should be high with Jashari and Musah driving play.
Major reshuffle hints that transfers could disrupt Milan lineups for weeks to come.

What Does This Mean Going Forward?

If you’re looking for betting value, watch how Milan’s new-look midfield copes and whether Pulisic can make a difference off the bench. These situations tend to be fluid. Once Pulisic and Modric are fully fit or integrated, we could see a very different Milan, and market odds will shift fast. For now, Milan are hedging, protecting assets, and getting younger legs on the park while transfer windows play out. That strategy is about the long game, not chasing a fast start at all costs.

Key takeaways

Christian Pulisic starts on the bench for injury management, not form.
Luka Modric is a tactical sub, with Jashari preferred for midfield energy.
Multiple Milan stars fully omitted from the squad due to transfer negotiations.
Bettors should avoid Pulisic-based markets for this match.
Milan’s creative burden falls to Loftus-Cheek and Alphadjo Cisse, offering a new look attack.
Squad selection suggests Milan want a dynamic, high-work-rate midfield versus Torino.
Transfers could continue to impact Milan’s first XIs and betting angles in coming weeks.
Pulisic and Modric should return to the XI once fully fit and tactically needed.

More coverage: more Soccer headlines, our Soccer betting analysis and today’s Soccer picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pulisic is being eased back from a serious leg injury he picked up during the World Cup. Head coach Ruben Amorim decided to manage his fitness by starting him on the bench as he only recently returned to full training.

Modric is not injured. His spot on the bench is a tactical decision by Ruben Amorim, who preferred Ardon Jashari in midfield alongside Yunus Musah after reviewing preseason performances.

Fikayo Tomori, Youssouf Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, and Rafael Leao are not in the squad because they are transfer-listed and expected to finalize exits soon.

Yes, both traveled with the squad and could be used as substitutes if needed in the second half. Their roles for this match depend on game dynamics and fitness.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Alphadjo Cisse start as dual No. 10s instead of Pulisic, and Ardon Jashari partners with Yunus Musah in midfield in place of Modric.

Milan’s XI: Mike Maignan; Mario Gila, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic; Samuel Chukwueze, Yunus Musah, Ardon Jashari, Pervis Estupiñan; Alphadjo Cisse, Ruben Loftus-Cheek; Goncalo Ramos. Ruben Amorim is the head coach.

With several key players out or on the bench, Milan’s lineup is fresh but less experienced. This could mean a more energetic but potentially less cohesive team for their league opener.