At lunchtime yesterday, it was decided in Nyon that AC Milan will face Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais in the Europa League play-off round.
As Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) write this morning, the Rossoneri’s first step towards winning a trophy they have never won starts with a trip to France, after the first leg at San Siro of course. It is a competition in which, on paper, Milan should be able to go deep but there are two conditions.
The first is injuries, which have been one of Milan’s big problems in this first part of the season. Stefano Pioli never really had a full squad and this weighed heavily on the team’s performances. Milan can move forward in Europe but there is a need for all the team available, because depth is key.
Luckily the playoffs will be in two months given the first leg isn’t until February 15. That is enough time to recover players, as long as no more get hurt along the way. On Sunday in the 3-0 win over Monza, Tommaso Pobega and Noah Okafor were lost for what should be at least a month.
The second element that could contribute to a winning European campaign, is the possibility of strengthening January. It is undeniable that Milan need a central defender given the injury crisis in that department.
The simplest solution is to recall Matteo Gabbia from loan even if CEO Giorgio Furlani said he has not spoken about the idea yet, while Clement Lenglet – currently playing for Aston Villa but owned by Barcelona – is an option too.
The ideal solution would be a loan with option to buy but an agreement must be found with the two clubs and it won’t be very easy. A loan will also be sought for Jakub Kiwior from Arsenal, but there is competition from Napoli and also the reluctance of the Gunners to let him leave.
Even in attack, Milan could do something with the name of Serhou Guirassy remaining high on the list as he keeps scoring goals and has a very tempting €18m release clause.
