In today's print edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, we read about how Theo Hernandez' absence will be a huge blow for Stefano Pioli's tactics as he prepares to face Empoli.
As per the newspaper, the French left-back is aiming to get back to the playing field to face Juventus on October 8. There is no need to rush his return and everyone is cautious in order to not risk anymore physical issues.
For now, head coach Pioli is studying ways to replace Theo Hernandez against Empoli and also when his team will face Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge. He could choose Sergino Dest or Fodé Ballo-Touré. If the American right-back plays, he would be on the right while captain Davide Calabria shifts to the left. If Fodé Ballo-Touré is chosen, he would be on the left and Calabria will remain on the right.
To deal with Theo's absence, there is a third possible solution. As per the report, AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli could play with a 3-man defence with Fikayo Tomori, Simon Kjaer and Pierre Kalulu for the backline.
