Injury Woes and Player Performances
AC Milan is grappling with a significant injury blow as Alexis Saelemaekers is expected to be out for three to five months following successful ankle surgery [1]. This absence will likely see Omari Hutchinson, who joined on loan from Nottingham Forest, and Diego Moreira step up into more regular roles [2]. Moreira, along with Christian Pulisic, reportedly impressed owner Gerry Cardinale during the recent 1-1 draw with Sassuolo [3]. Pulisic, who recently recovered from a lower-leg microfracture suffered at the World Cup, made his first league start in mid-September [4]. However, he faces increased competition from younger talents like 19-year-old Alphadjo Cisse, who has scored twice in 242 league minutes and was introduced when Milan needed a goal against Sassuolo [4]. Other players like Yunus Musah and Warren Bondo are also expected to be out, though Bondo has returned to training with the first team, he is ineligible for Serie A or Europa League matches and is a candidate for a January transfer [5].
Management Shifts and Club Outlook
Off the pitch, AC Milan has seen some significant developments in its management structure. Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues to play an active role, working closely with Gerry Cardinale as an advisor to the club owners [6]. The club has also brought in Bobby Gardiner as the new director of football intelligence [6]. Despite these structural changes, owner Gerry Cardinale was reportedly disappointed with the team’s overall performance in the 1-1 draw against Sassuolo, highlighting concerns about game management and a lack of leadership [3]. Coach Ruben Amorim has faced criticism for not establishing a clear team identity and for frequently altering formations [7]. On a positive note, AC Milan has secured a contract extension for defender Strahinja Pavlović until the summer of 2031, with the player having featured in every minute of the 2026-27 season so far [8].
What it means
AC Milan currently sits in 5th place in Serie A with 12 points from six matches, maintaining an unbeaten record of three wins and three draws. Their goal difference stands at +6, having scored 11 and conceded 5. Despite this unbeaten run, recent form shows a slight dip, with three draws in their last five Serie A fixtures, including a 1-1 draw against Sassuolo and 2-2 against Lazio. The team’s inability to secure maximum points in these matches, coupled with concerns from the owner, suggests a need for more consistent performances. The upcoming fixture against Atalanta will be a crucial test, as Milan looks to solidify its position in the top half of the table and address the issues highlighted by their recent form and management’s scrutiny.
Sources
- Football Italia: Official: Milan confirm ‘successful’ Saelemaekers ankle surgery football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Hutchinson urged to step up for Milan after Saelemaekers surgery football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Report: Cardinale impressed by just two Milan players vs. Sassuolo, not Rabiot football-italia.net ↩
- The Guardian: Christian Pulisic is no longer a focal point for the US or Milan – and that’s OK theguardian.com ↩
- Football Italia: Bondo returns to training with Milan after rejecting termination offer football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Ibrahimovic still involved despite moving into the background at Milan football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Cardinale disappointed in Milan as newspaper highlights four issues for Amorim to fix football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Milan have agreement in place for long-term Pavlovic contract extension football-italia.net ↩
