The international break is always a period of reflection for coaches, who look at other players under a bit more limelight as most of the stars jet off.
The first match after the break is the Milan derby, so we imagine Massimiliano Allegri’s mind is buzzing with ideas on how to prepare for the match against Inter and, of course, how to overtake them in the standings. While waiting for the big game, check out NonGamStopBets UK.
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Last week, Milan took to the field for a friendly against Serie B side Virtus Entella. It was a rather unusual thing during the break, but one strongly desired by the coach to get some playing time into the legs of those remaining at Milanello, and especially one player: Ardon Jashari.
The Swiss midfielder had played two snippets of matches against Bari in the Coppa Italia and Cremonese in the league, before suffering a compound fracture of his right fibula after a collision in training with Santiago Gimenez.
He was sidelined for two and a half months before returning to the pitch, precisely two days ago, ready to contribute to the Rossoneri cause again. With the return of the former Brugge star, Adrien Rabiot has come back too.
The Frenchman has been sidelined since the October break with a torn soleus muscle in his left calf. He missed the friendly in Solbiate Arno, but only as a precaution, and is expected to return to the squad tomorrow for the derby.
Allegri’s dilemmas
Barring any last-minute surprises, Allegri will have all of his midfielders at his disposal for the first time. These players have different characteristics and aptitudes, allowing the Livorno-born coach to select the most suitable players based on their physical condition and the opponent’s characteristics.
Given that Luka Modric is an untouchable presence in the Rossoneri squad and will be playing as a Regista (he has started 11 games out of 11 so far in the league), there will be five players vying for the two spots alongside the Croatian star.
One of these spots appears to be owned by Rabiot, Allegri’s true favorite and a regular starter until his injury. The other, for now, will presumably be contested for by Samuele Ricci and Youssouf Fofana, given that Loftus-Cheek is seen more as an attacking midfielder than a mezzala.
While the former Torino man is clearly improving after a mostly benched start to the season, the Frenchman is clearly in decline, committing numerous errors at both ends. Jashari, Milan’s second-most expensive signing of the summer, is back. From nowhere, it has become crowded in the middle.
