AC Milan’s season has been significantly impacted by injury woes, and the situation has taken a turn for the worse just ahead of their crucial Serie A match against AS Roma. The team’s leading goal-scorer, Christian Pulisic, is once again sidelined due to setbacks in his recovery from a calf injury. Milan’s coach Paulo Fonseca announced on Saturday that Pulisic developed an ankle issue during his rehabilitation, rendering him unfit for the match. This alarming trend of injuries raises questions about the team’s depth and preparedness as they navigate a demanding league schedule.
Despite the gloom surrounding Pulisic’s situation, there is a flicker of hope as Álvaro Morata is expected to return to the squad. Fonseca expressed optimism, stating that both Morata and Ismaël Bennacer are progressing well in their recoveries. However, the return of Ruben Loftus-Cheek will not be imminent, pushing his availability back to the following week. The injuries extend the list of unavailable players, a scenario that challenges the team’s resilience and places additional pressure on those who are fit to compete. The upcoming Italian Super Cup match against Juventus only adds to the urgency for players like Yunus Musah and Rafael Leão to regain fitness swiftly.
Coach Fonseca, who has a history with Roma, is keenly aware of the implications of this clash against his former club. He noted in a press conference that both the emotional ties to his former team and the competitive spirit of the match could serve as a motivating factor for his players. Nevertheless, he stressed that his focus remains solely on achieving a victory, emphasizing, “in the 90 minutes, I only have the thought of winning.” Fonseca’s determination to guide Milan to victory highlights the necessity of maintaining not just physical fitness but also a strong mentality in the face of adversity.
Despite overcoming Hellas Verona and securing a narrow 1-0 victory, the mood among AC Milan supporters has been turbulent. The squad currently sits eighth in the league standings, five points off the top five, which has led to frustrations boiling over during recent matches as fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the team’s performances. However, Fonseca maintained that the team’s morale is intact and mentioned a positive feeling after the last training sessions. His optimism may be crucial in rallying the players and alleviating the concerns of their passionate fanbase.
As AC Milan gears up for a critical match against Roma, the implications of injury setbacks cannot be overstated. With key players in and out of the lineup, Fonseca’s ability to adapt and inspire will be tested. The upcoming fixtures are pivotal not just for positioning in Serie A, but also for restoring faith among fans. Building on the slight advantage of Morata’s return and the positive mindset within the squad could determine whether Milan continues to struggle or begins a resurgence in their campaign.
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