It seems AC Milan may be forced into two changes this weekend, whilst another player may continue in their role.
Over the past few days, it has been a wait to see the conditions of Davide Bartesaghi and Matteo Gabbia, both of whom are recovering from injuries. Gabbia has been absent since before this weekend, but Bartesaghi suffered a muscle problem.
Nevertheless, scans on the wing-back showed no major injury, and it was hoped that he would be back this weekend.
However, SportMediaset reports, via Calciomercato.com, that the Italian trained alone at Milanello today, despite the positive update. So, it seems that he could miss the weekend’s clash, at least as a starter, if he is not back with the group soon.
Additionally, the central defender continued to work alone, so it looks increasingly likely that Koni De Winter will retain his spot in the back three.
Pulisic problem…
Their absences are not the only possibilities, and it seems that Christian Pulisic could also be at risk. In the same report, Calciomercato.com relay a report from Corriere della Sera stating he is struggling with busitis problem in his knee, slowing him down in games.
As a result, he could start from the bench with Christopher Nkunku replacing him. If he were still being affected by the recent injury, it would explain his recent form…
This is now reaching worst case scenario for Pulisic. We’re inching closer to a scope or some kind of other surgery. Terrible timing considering the World Cup is next up. This type of thing could affect contract negotiations. They may not want to pay him if this is a similar situation to Mateta. Prolonged injuries and never reaching 100% fitness again. Really bad news.
Maybe this explains his poor 2026 form, with his trademark accuracy being anything but, with multiple missed scoring opportunities, no goals and no assists this year. Pulisic is a world-class player who is an extremely good finisher. He can’t have suddenly unlearned how to score or assist. When you have a lingering knee problem, you become inaccurate. So, now I understand why he’s not been his usual self.
Now, indeed, like M said above, the concern is that he is becoming quite injury-prone again. When he came from Chelsea, that was the concern. Then he had a long run of good health and exceptional performances for AC Milan, posting the best seasons of his career. And then, suddenly, everything seems to be falling apart again.
Let’s hope that this exceptional player overcomes this bad stretch of injury and poor physical condition and recovers his spectacular form.
Fresher news about Gabbia is that he had surgery today for an inguinal hernia and will be out for one month.