Senza paura, without fear. Two words that have been used a lot in relation to AC Milan over the last two years as they have embarked on a journey of success. And for the Chelsea clash, this motto is ever so relevant.
Stefano Pioli’s men managed to bounce back from the disappointing defeat against league leaders Napoli, beating Empoli 3-1 last night. It’s a win that has left a bitter taste, though, as Milan suffered three more injuries during the game.
In addition to Mike Maignan, Alessandro Florenzi, Theo Hernandez, Junior Messias, Divock Origi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who were already injured – Davide Calabria, Simon Kjaer and Alexis Saelemaekers were added to that list.
Out of those nine players, Origi is the only one that could make it back for the mid-week clash against Chelsea this upcoming week. In short, Milan are heavily decimated and Pioli almost won’t have any decisions to make for the starting XI (read about the probable XI here).
Milan have grown a lot since last year’s Champions League experience, but there’s no doubt that this will be a very tough ask. It’s yet another opportunity, though, for the Rossoneri to show their mental strength and face the clash without fear, senza paura, but always with great attention to detail.
And it’s more than just the injury crisis that will allow them to have this attitude. Hernandez should be back for the second leg against the English side and a player like Origi will also be in better form by then, which ultimately should give them a better chance at San Siro.
Unlike last year, when they struggled in the group stage, they are on four points currently and will ‘afford’ to draw or lose in the first game against Chelsea. Of course, they will push for the victory but this cushion in the standings will without a doubt help them in their quest for glory.
Wednesday’s clash, above all, will be a chance for Milan to send a message regardless of the final result.
What is the situation with Mike and Theo? Can we have them back at least by the time of clash with Juventus?
Mike will be back vs Monza and Theo probably for 2nd match against Chelsea.
I think Theo will be back for the Juve game
Mike is out for a month
Origi is technically ready to play as he is not really injured, the guy is just not match-fit, ie. too much body fat. Theo will be back for Juve. Mike and Kjaer will be back before the World Cup. The rest will be out until 2023.
Our 2nd keeper is the weakest link.
Sure Tatarusanu isn’t as good as Mike. But he’s still pretty good and definitely better than Inter Handanovic or Juventus Perin.
Last season if Tatarusanu didn’t blocked Lautaro PK, Milan wouldn’t win the scudetto.