A starting eleven plus substitutes who will be missing over the next fortnight.
With key fixtures coming up in both Serie A and the Champions League over the next two weeks, AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri will be under severe pressure as he attempts to deal with the absence of a number of key players.
It is a scenario that the Rossoneri have unfortunately become accustomed to in recent years, and although there is a sense of frustration over the inability to prevent the number of injuries, there is also an element of bad luck considering the timing and quantity of issues.
While Daniele Bonera was a pre-season casualty after suffering a fractured knee-cap, promising full-back Mattia De Sciglio joined him as a long-term absentee with a meniscus problem in his left knee.
The 20-year-old underwent surgery to repair the damage and will face a month on the sidelines, which is a particularly disappointing start to the campaign considering his development over the past twelve months.
Fellow full-back Ignazio Abate is ruled out for up to 10 days after picking up a muscle injury on international duty with Italy, while the midfield trio of Andrea Poli, Kaka and captain Riccardo Montolivo all suffered strains during the 2-2 draw with Torino on Saturday night.
Giampaolo Pazzini is not expected to return for a month or so after undergoing knee surgery in the summer, while M’Baye Niang and Stephan El Shaarawy have muscular injuries that will see them remain in the treatment room for the next two weeks at least.
Adding to Allegri’s selection headaches are the likes of Riccardo Saponara and Matias Silvestre, thus completing a starting eleven of potential first-team players.
Kaka has asked the club to not pay his wages while he is ruled out, which is a wonderful gesture from the 31-year-old, but it will only go so far in covering the disappointment of his immediate setback.
In the absence of the players mentioned above, more responsibility will inevitably be placed on Mario Balotelli, while an uninspiring midfield of combative midfielders will likely struggle to break down their opponents over the course of September.
With a Champions League clash with Celtic to look forward to on Wednesday night, before a meeting with Scudetto rivals Napoli next Sunday, it could prove to be an uncomfortable week ahead for Allegri and Milan.
A starting eleven of current absentees for Milan (4-3-3):
COMMENTS