Santiago Gimenez is continuing his recovery from ankle surgery, with the hopes of playing a part in AC Milan’s season finale.
As Calciomercato.com recall, Gimenez underwent ankle surgery on December 18 to fix an issue that was preventing him from playing his best, at least in his words. His expected recovery time was months rather than weeks, so Milan moved to secure the signing of Niclas Füllkrug.
However in an interview with ESPN Mexico, the former Feyenoord man made a declaration about his condition: “My ankle is fixed, get ready!” He then went on to express thanks to Milan for their support of him.
When he will return
Santiago Gimenez is desperate to return to prove his worth to the Rossoneri. Expectations for the striker were high, partly because of the €30m paid a year ago, and partly because of the passion the Mexican has always expressed for Milan.
This season, El Bebote has scored just once against Lecce in the Coppa Italia, and an ankle injury has definitively compromised an already challenging campaign. His return is scheduled for April, but the striker expects to return earlier, around the first half of March.
He’s ready to fight for his spot after having been frequently used by Allegri prior to his injury. It will not be easy though with the likes of Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku, Christian Pulisic and Füllkrug all in the running for two spots.
Beyond 2025-26
It’s been a rollercoaster ride of contrasting emotions between Gimenez and Milan: love at first sight, a thrilling first phase, and then a difficult relationship that seems to be coming to an end.
With Füllkrug in the present and Dusan Vlahovic wanted for next season, it seems that the directors have made two clear choices that seem to be pushing Gimenez towards the exit door.
The plan is to recoup the €30m in the summer, with the hope of a strong season finale and World Cup, where he plays a leading role. Sunderland are still keen on the Mexican, but several German clubs are also ready in the event of a definitive split.
If we get Mateta or Vlahovic, I would be fine with his sale
I personally think he is better than both of them. He would best be suited in 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 but if gets consistency and confidence he is better than both of those guys in my opinion
Yep – even if we agree with him that his ankle affected his shooting he’s too “nice” for me, not enough grit up front and gets pushed off the ball easier than a twelve year old…
I think fully fit he would be a good option for Leeds United 🤔
Not sure where he slots in even when he does get back. He’s not as physical as Der Panzer and can’t play with his back to goal. Neither can Vlahovic for that matter. Either way our attack is too limited with a front 2 unless we play strong teams and counter. Against weaker teams he doesn’t have the technical skills in close spaces nor the aerial presence in the box.
He won’t fit because they now have 5 x strikers for 2 x positions.
Signing Füllkrug probably ended Giménez‘s Milan career.
If he returns he’ll probably be used sparingly for the remainder of the season, and I’d be surprised if either Füllkrug or Giménez at Milan next season (or probably even Nkunku).
Milan will be in the market again for at least another 2 strikers this summer. Like they have every single season for over 20 years!
I do feel bad for Santi he’s a good player but it’s just not the right fit
We stuck with him.He will be new Origi, no goals and will stay to the end contract.
Another our poor desigion with attacker.
I only can hope he recover soon score few goals and fast sale him for anything.
But ….