Injury woes and early rumours [Newsletter]

It almost feels strange to not have a mid-week clash this time out, having come out of such a hectic schedule. In AC Milan’s case, though, it’s probably for the best as the last period has left a lot to be desired - even if the first half against Napoli probably was the best we have seen all season.

The draw was a disappointing result under the circumstances and the Rossoneri had to give up their position in the standings, now in third one point behind Juventus. The worst part, from a long-term perspective, was certainly not the result but rather the injuries that occurred during the night.

Pierre Kalulu was first to leave the pitch, Christian Pulisic came off second and then the substitute Marco Pellegrino had to call it as well. The American will seemingly be back very soon, perhaps even against Udinese, but the other two will be out for quite some time (potentially four months for the Frenchman). It goes without saying that the effect is amplified since they play in the same position.

Simon Kjaer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Samuel Chukwueze are set to return very soon, though, which is a boost for Pioli but it’s equally clear that these injury struggles cannot continue. Something needs to change, and it needs to change now, otherwise the rest of the season will just be Pioli trying to patch Milan together week after week.

The importance of the January window is now evident to everyone, including the Rossoneri management, and we can expect to see some movement during the month. The priority, in light of the injuries, is the centre-back position and then we will have to see if a left-back or a striker will arrive (maybe both!).

Injury woes and transfer rumours aside, Milan will take on Udinese next and if the clash against Napoli was considered a must-win, this is certainly that. The Friuli side have collected just seven points at the start of this season and the difference in quality is obvious, but there are almost no easy games in this league anymore.

Juventus and Inter will face Fiorentina and Atalanta respectively, so Milan could potentially improve their position with a win. And with the decisive PSG clash coming up next week, claiming the three points this weekend could be the nudge the Rossoneri need to restore some harmony.

News bulletin

➤ Milan Primavera closed the gap on Inter at the top of the table thanks to a dramatic late winner from Alexander Simmelhack - his first goal for the club on debut - in a 2-1 win against Sampdoria on Sunday afternoon.

➤ Things have been tough for Stefano Pioli recently after obtaining just one point from the Juventus-PSG-Napoli trio of games, but he retains the full trust of the ownership and management for a few key reasons.

➤ Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to Milan appears to be moving closer, as per a report, with all of the management in agreement that he should come back to the club. His role would likely be helping Pioli and the squad on a daily basis.

➤ A report from La Notizia outlined Milan’s vision for the San Donato stadium and the dimensions of the site are four times bigger than previously anticipated, with big plans such as a new club headquarters, a Milan Store, officers, hotel and a retail district.

➤ Milan have now completed the ten-game gauntlet with Roma, Inter, Lazio, Juventus and Napoli now out of the way, and compared to the Nerazzurri and Bianconeri it can be argued they have an easier schedule until the midway point.

➤ Kalulu and Pellegrino’s length injury absences will force Milan to sign a centre-back in January and they have two targets above all in mind, according to Tuttosport.

In case you missed it

Make sure to check out the latest podcast episode, and our latest bonus podcast in which the lads discuss Milan’s struggles in the big games. We have also published quite a few bonus articles lately, including our breakdown of the 2022-23 balance sheet. Are you interested in a paid subscription? Read all about it here.