GdS: ‘One place for two’ – Gimenez favourite but Loftus-Cheek could start as striker vs. Bologna

Rafael Leao is expected to miss the Bologna game, not even being called up for the bench. So, Massimiliano Allegri’s options are more limited.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below), it is likely that Leao will not be available at all on Sunday. His right calf injury has healed, as confirmed by the check-ups the Portuguese underwent over the past two weeks, but he is still feeling a bit of discomfort.

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For this reason, he trained separately yesterday, and his condition will be evaluated day by day without taking any risks. Who will start in his place in attack? Santiago Gimenez – who scored a great goal against South Korea on Tuesday night – is the favourite.

However, he has had a long haul flight back to Italy. The hope is that he is fine to play, otherwise Allegri will have to invent something, because Christopher Nkunku is doing fine but isn’t fit enough to start yet, but there is another solution.

Gimenez favoured

As happened in Lecce, Gimenez is expected to replace Leao at the centre of the attack. Santiago will return to Milan today and will be with his team-mates this afternoon, although he will likely have a recovery session, like Christian Pulisic.

Before returning from South America, he made it clear he’s feeling good. At the Stadio Via del Mare, despite not scoring a goal, he showed good signs (including a goal disallowed by VAR), and Allegri is inclined to trust him.

This is also because the transfer window is closed, the exchange with Artem Dovbyk fell through, and the former Feyenoord player can play an important role in this season where he’s not a first-choice starter, but can still be useful.

A wild card

If Gimenez isn’t fully fit after the long trip for some reason, or if Allegri wants to play differently, there is another idea: Ruben Loftus-Cheek as the centre-forward. The Englishman has started this season well, scoring the 1-0 win against Lecce.

His starting spot is in midfield, but if needed, the former Chelsea man – who was on the bench for both of England’s games as an unused substitute – would also be ready to play up front, with Pulisic behind him.

And Nkunku? He worked well during the break at Milanello, but he’s only got one game left. Barring a surprise, his starting debut hasn’t arrived yet, but the Frenchman will get a chance during the match, either on Sunday or in Udine.