This weekend, AC Milan were forced to make a few changes due to injury, and now Massimiliano Allegri is ‘desperate’.
Alexis Saelemaekers is a bit of a Swiss army knife. However, even he has limitations, and whilst they weren’t massively apparent, they were noticeable against Fiorentina. So, it is hoped he can return to the flank soon.
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To do this, returns are needed in the team, and Allegri needs good news through the week, it seems.
Loftus-Cheek to return?
Reports this week have suggested that Christopher Nkunku and Ruben Loftus-Cheek should return before this weekend, with the latter undergoing a recovery process to get him back up to speed, given that both missed this weekend’s game.
However, Allegri is ‘desperate’ to have the Englishman back at his disposal, according to Calciomercato.com.
With Saelemaekers supporting Leao, neither were truly at their best, as seen when Santiago Gimenez came on. So, recovering Loftus-Cheek would be important, given he could play in the midfield, or more likely, next to Leao.
This would see the Belgian return to wing-back, with Samuele Ricci also available to stay in the midfield after a strong performance. It seems this hypothesis is likely too, with the former Chelsea man not a concern for the game.
However, it depends on his recovery, and closer monitoring will take place in the next few days.
Opportunity to play Leao and Giménez?
The latter was ridiculously unlucky not to score against Fiorentina with that volley.
If Nkunku has even half an hour in him, then I suspect Leao and Giménez will start.
Agreed. If Nkunku and RLC are both available I also think it will be Leao + Gimenez up top with RLC starting in midfield and Ricci heading back to the bench. This way there is at least one senior sub in each of those departments.
that shows 2 things
1. Allegri does not have a lot of confidence in Santi’s ability to lead the line
2. Allegri is Allegri, he will never play an uber offensive lineup unless he has to. (Rafa in support of a CF in Santi isnt even THAT offensive). — just pointing it out for those who think in a normal game we will see Nkunku, Rafa, and Puli together. Unless we are chasing the game or change formation, it isnt happening. As it stands,
Mike, Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlo, Saladman, Modric, Rabiot, Puli and Rafa are set in stone.
All “Open” are a LW (so either Bartesaghi or Estupinian) and a midfielder which we currently have Fofana. I dont see Allegri changing Fofana as he gives them a tad more defensive solidity for an attacking guy.
Maybe add Fofana to that set in stone group. Allegri is favoring him in that role and he has been playing well.
Ricci was poor the last game. Did nothing to advance the ball.