When it rains it seems to pour for AC Milan, as they are battling a constant injury crisis while their on-field results have taken a serious downturn over the past few weeks.
This morning’s edition of Corriere della Sera (via PianetaMilan) writes about Milan’s current situation and about Stefano Pioli, who is dealing with the damaging results of the last month and an injury emergency that shows no signs of abating.
The two most recent injuries were sufffered by Rafael Leao and Davide Calabria, who came off in the first half of Saturday’s match in Lecce (the latter at half-time). Leao has a first degree right hamstring injury which will keep him out 2-3 weeks, while Calabria has muscle fatigue and should return for Milan-Fiorentina on Saturday 25 November .
The injury emergency remains one of the main problems that has caused the dip in form this season. There have already been 24 injuries this season which is far too many. An immediate solution to the problem is needed.
Pioli is not in question for the management who continue to confirm their trust in him (also due to the lack of suitable alternatives) despite the coach now being questioned by a large part of the fan base, who are frustrated with the results and injuries.
Without the starters on the pitch, the Rossoneri’s level drops considerably. It is not enough as a mitigating factor, however, for the collapse against Lecce after which the impression is that this Milan lacks personality and character.
Olivier Giroud’s red card – who risks a two-match ban – was arguably a reflection of the restlessness that exists in the squad. So what is the real Milan? The one that beat PSG 2-1 or the one that lost 1-0 to Udinese? The pre-Christmas period will provide the answers.