Ismael Bennacer’s return is getting closer and closer, so much so that we can begin to imagine how AC Milan will line up when he is fully fit.
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There was a flurry of excitement triggered by a video that came out earlier today showing Bennacer out on the field at Milanello taking part in the rondo part of training. While it is just a warm-up, he looked sharp and it is certainly a big step forward.
MilanNews conform that Bennacer trained together with the group team for the first part of the session today too, taking part in the athletic activation and the rondo before continuing with his individual work.
The Algerian suffered an injury on May 11th in the first half of the first leg of the Champions League semi-final tie against Inter and he sustained cartilage in his knee. It has been a long recovery path, but now his return in mid-December looks almost certain.
That would have him back in time to play a few minutes with Milan and to possibly be available, if his fitness conditions allow it, to be called up with Algeria for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Bennacer, among other things, likes the new Milan: “We have new, quality players, in fact in my opinion the team is very good, with excellent additions. At this moment we have to form the group, it will take time but we are ready to do it and we will be good together.”
When he is at 100%, the former Empoli star will be able to regain his central role in Pioli’s system. He would allow Milan to play either a 4-3-3 where he is the No.6 between Tijjani Reijnders and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, or he could play with the Dutchman in a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1 with Loftus-Cheek further forward.
