It seems AC Milan could be without their starting wing-back pair when they return from the international break, frustratingly.
There are several frustrations that arrive with the break from club football; the first is just that, it stops the flow. With the form that Milan entered the break with, it is annoying to see that halted, and it is frustrating to not be able to watch it continue, at least not yet.
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The other big issue is the risk of injuries, and the Rossoneri have been really unlucky in several areas. However, most concerningly, they have struggled out wide, where both of their starters have suffered blows.
Trouble out wide
Alexis Saelemaekers will miss this weekend’s game for definite, with scans showing a flexor injury in his right leg. Pervis Estupinan could also miss the game, but the fact that he has remained with the Ecuador team is positive, indeed.
In the case that neither is available this weekend, Davide Bartesaghi and Zachary Athekame could start on the flanks, as the closest ‘natural’ replacements, as Calciomercato.com write.
Failing that, Massimiliano Allegri would consider changing to a 4-3-3, with Fikayo Tomori or Koni De Winter at right-back and then Davide Bartesaghi on the left. Structurally, the midfield would remain the same, whilst Rafael Leao could return on the wing with Christian Pulisic also out wide.
Switching formation because Allegri has to play with his backup wingbacks makes no sense. If anything, you’d want to keep the extra defender in the lineup for added security. Regardless of who starts at RWB, Allegri will keep his 3-5-2, even if it means that RWB will offer less going forward than Saelemaekers.
Who knows ? All of these articles are assumptions.
But Athekame, De Winter and Bartesaghi are less offensive than Saelemakers+Estupiñán so maybe a more offensive output by switching to a 4-3-3.
But I frankly don’t see Allegri sacrifice the CB stability by having one less CB.
Why fix something that isn’t broken? Hope Allegri gives Athekame and Bartesaghi another run out. The more playing time they get the better. Injuries and suspensions will happen all season and Milan has the personnel to play the 3-5-2 formation with different players.