AC Milan is currently facing a challenging period marked by significant player absences and a recent heavy defeat in European competition. The team’s depth will be tested as they prepare for upcoming fixtures, with several key players either injured or suspended.
Squad Challenges and Returns
AC Milan’s squad has been hit by a series of injuries and suspensions. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan received a straight red card in the recent Europa League match against AFC Bournemouth for pushing an opponent and will be suspended for the next Europa League fixture [1]. This incident led to a penalty for Bournemouth and contributed to Milan’s 3-0 loss [2]. While Maignan is available for Serie A games [3], Lorenzo Torriani is expected to start in goal for the Europa League in his absence [4].
In terms of injuries, Samuel Chukwueze is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, expected to be out for two to three months with a hamstring injury [5]. This injury has reportedly led AC Milan to explore the possibility of recalling Zachary Athekame from his loan spell with Olympique Lyonnais, though both Lyon and Athekame are reportedly reluctant [5]. Other players currently out include Matteo Gabbia and Alexis Saelemaekers [6]. Filippo Terracciano is also suspended for the Europa League trip to Bournemouth [7].
On a more positive note, Gonçalo Ramos has returned to AC Milan training after recovering from a minor calf injury that saw him miss the last match [8]. His return provides a much-needed boost to the attacking options, although his starting status remains uncertain. Coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly considering Christian Pulisic or Alphadjo Cisse to start as a false nine [8].
Recent Form and European Struggles
AC Milan’s recent form has been mixed, particularly in European competition. The team suffered a significant 3-0 defeat against AFC Bournemouth in the Europa League, a match where they went down to 10 men early due to Mike Maignan’s red card [4]. This loss highlighted weaknesses, and Milan has now lost two of their three Europa League games [8]. The defeat was described as a significant blow, with Bournemouth showcasing their strength [9].
Despite the European setback, AC Milan had shown decent form in their domestic league prior to the Bournemouth match, having won three of their last four competitive games [4]. However, even in their 3-2 win over Atalanta, the team showed some weaknesses [2]. Ruben Amorim, the manager of AC Milan [10], will need to address these issues as the team navigates its demanding schedule.
What it means
AC Milan currently sits in 4th position in Serie A with 15 points from 7 games, demonstrating a solid domestic start with 4 wins and 3 draws. Their recent league form includes a 3-2 home win against Atalanta BC and draws against US Sassuolo Calcio, SS Lazio, and Juventus FC, indicating resilience but also a tendency to concede. The upcoming fixture against Udinese presents another Serie A challenge, where Milan will aim to maintain their unbeaten league run and consolidate their position in the top four. The site’s forecast for this match will be available 24 hours before kick-off.
Sources
- Football Italia: Video: Maignan sent off after Milan goalkeeper shoves Adams in the face football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Amorim: ‘There was no game’ as 10-man Milan punished in Bournemouth football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: How many matches could Maignan miss after his red card for Milan at Bournemouth? football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: UEL | Bournemouth 3-0 Milan: Sour cherries for naïve Rossoneri football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Report: Milan want to bring Athekame back from Lyon loan but face reluctance football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Europa League: Bournemouth vs. Milan – probable line-ups, where to watch on TV football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Milan get mixed news on Goncalo Ramos and Chukwueze injuries football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Ramos returns to Milan training as Amorim assesses options for Udinese clash football-italia.net ↩
- Sky Sports: 'Night they'll never forget!' - Bournemouth breeze past European giants AC Milan skysports.com ↩
- BBC Sport: From Bury to AC Milan: Bournemouth's journey to 'dreamland' bbc.co.uk ↩
