Christian Pulisic limps off in first half of AC Milan defeat - ESPN

United States national team captain Christian Pulisic was forced off the field with with a right calf injury during the first half of AC Milan's 2-1 loss to Atalanta on Friday.

The 26-year-old was replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the 38th minute of the match at Atalanta's Gewiss Stadium after appearing to slip awkwardly on the turf as he was fouled by Mario Pasalic.

The American, who had seen a shot saved earlier in the match, sat down on the ground in pain, touching his ankle and calf. Despite attempting to play through the discomfort, he signaled to the bench that he needed to come off. Pulisic was then helped off the field and replaced with the score tied at 1.

After the match, Milan manager Paulo Fonseca offered a reassuring update on Pulisic's injury.

"It's a minor calf strain, nothing serious," he said in his postgame news conference.

In his second season with Milan, Pulisic has scored eight goals and provided six assists in 19 games.

Pulisic's injury is a concern for his club ahead of a crucial Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.

Ademola Lookman scored a late winner for Atalanta that sent the hosts to the top of Serie A and stretched their winning streak to nine games in all competitions.

Fonseca also accused referee Federico La Penna of not showing his side enough respect after they were beaten by Atalanta.

"I am not afraid to speak the truth. I always respected the work of the referees, I realise they have a difficult job, but every week it is always the same," Fonseca told Sky Sport Italia.

"The way the referee officiated throughout this evening was a lack of respect for Milan."

Information from Reuters was used in this report.