Youssouf Fofana has been a mainstay for AC Milan this season, but he will miss the Coppa Italia game tomorrow night with an injury.
There has been a lot said about Fofana this season and his performances. However, he has been one of Massimiliano Allegri’s most-used players, and the Italian has a lot of trust in the Frenchman, regardless of what others may think.
Last season, this was also the case, with Paulo Fonseca especially using him heavily. So, to see Allegri using him so consistently is not really a shock, especially with the faith in his ability to improve.
Fofana out for Lazio
Against Lazio, though, he will be sidelined with a knock, as Allegri told MilanTV early in his pre-game interview.
“Pulisic is available, Fofana isn’t, and we hope to have him against Sassuolo. Athekame isn’t, and Gimenez isn’t either, and he’s working on his return.
“I need all the players, and it’s important for everyone to be available. The further we go, the more important substitutions become.”
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, imaginably, will take his role in the midfield as the dynamic box-crasher. However, it could also be a chance to see how Emanuele Sala fares in the deep end, especially given that he has now signed a new contract.
ooof fofana out vs lazio and torino? I hope Ricci and Jashari can step up in the DEFENSIVE Phase. Attaccking wise, I actually want to see Ricci or Jashari fill in for FOfana. Even though he has had blunders in matches, off possession Fofana has been key when ti comes to our clockwork midfield that IDK if Ricci or Jashari can provide.
Jashari hasn’t played, Ricci has seen few minutes and we’re worried about Sala?
A lot will depend on whether this changes Allegri’s mind about rotating Modric. If Modric ends up starting, my guess is that now with Puli back in the fold (more depth in attack), RLC will get the nod in Fofana’s place. Ricci is the next likely to get the start if Allegri chooses to hold RLC on the bench for whatever reason and start Modric. If Modric does not start, then we’ll probably see Ricci and RLC. Hopefully Jashari will see good minutes off the bench. We’re unlikely to see Sala. My guess is that if Ricci and RLC start, we’ll see Modric and Jashari come on for them, respectively, and Puli on for Nkunku at some point. What happens in defense is anyone’s guess. Maybe Koni to start for Tomori, and Estupinan in for Bartesaghi (as has been rumored), but I’m skeptical the 21 year old needs a breather. If either of the wingbacks need a breather, it’s more likely Saelemaekers, but I don’t think Allegri has confidence in Athekame from the start.
I can guarantee you Modric will start lol 😂
Athekame was injured, just recovered. It isn’t about trust but fitness, Saelemakers is in better condition. Hopefully he starts Jashari, I want to see him play 45 minutes against a proper team.