It was expected that this could be the week of Santiago Gimenez’s return to the field, writes the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, but at this point the forward risks missing next week’s Italian Supercup semifinal against Napoli. The Mexican did not play against Sassuolo, and rumors about his departure from Milan in January, the paper notes, are increasing.
The case is taking on the contours of a mystery, since even yesterday the former Feyenoord player trained separately at Milanello due to this ankle problem that has lasted for a month and a half. The diagnosis, since Milan has never issued a statement, is only a generic "problem", so there is no precise assessment of the injury.
Allegri, who is constantly asked about the number 7 in press conferences, does not commit and has repeatedly said for some time the usual "We hope to have him back soon." The situation is therefore far from clear, and the facts speak for themselves. During Atalanta-Milan at the end of October, Gimenez left the field because of this ankle problem. At that time, a couple of weeks’ absence was expected at most. Today, it has been 46 days out with six matches missed (seven if including Sassuolo's recent game at San Siro). It is difficult to find an explanation, also because Allegri had clearly said before the Torino match that "the ankle is fine." At this point, it is clear that something does not add up, as pointed out by those at Gazzetta dello Sport.
When the stop happened, the player himself provided details: "In recent months I have played with an ankle injury that did not allow me to perform at 100% or feel comfortable on the field. With a strong desire to continue helping the team, I kept playing, but the pain continued to grow and it became necessary to stop. Now I have to recover and prepare to return with you as soon as possible. Thank you for the support, see you soon." The most likely scenario is that the player still feels pain, which is why his return to the group has been postponed week after week; to this day, there is no set date to mark on the calendar.
Santiago Gimenez may not be giving everything he has right now due to physical issues. But, the Rossoneri team is still doing well without him and fans are happy, they would be even more excited if the ex Feyenoord striker finally showcases his skills soon. In fact, that same excitement and adrenaline while waiting for a Milan goal is similar to an aviator game victory https://glorycasino-bangladesh.net/aviator/ , it is exactly what Allegri’s team is trying to bring on a more consistent basis.
Beyond the physical aspect, there is also the psychological one. Gazzetta dello Sport writes that the Mexican is not currently described as a calm player. The situation does not depend only on the ankle but also on all the doubts Gimenez carries with him. The fact that the season has not been particularly positive for him (Santi has not yet scored in the league) certainly does not help. A combination of factors only fuels market rumors about his possible departure during the transfer window and reinforces one idea: if before there was a sense that Milan needed a forward with different characteristics, writes Marco Pasotto, now they need one who is 100% healthy.
By the way, while waiting for the next big challenge at San Siro, some players pass time with casual rounds of aviator india, enjoying the thrill of a quick game between training sessions, and perhaps the fans can forget about Gimenez’s absence, especially with Pulisic doing extremely well recently.
Santiago Gimenez’s ongoing absence and uncertainty over his return have turned the spotlight on AC Milan’s need for a reliable central striker. With the winter transfer window approaching, the club is already weighing potential replacements like Zirkzee and Fullkrug to ensure the attack remains effective if Gimenez departs.
If he digs in his heels and chains himself to the Milanello locker, then most likely nothing will happen. If someone influential, (coach? Or perhaps sporting director?) persuades him to reconsider, then something might occur. One thing is certain: any January moves in attack at Milan are closely tied to Santiago Gimenez. Even though the squad is short, arrivals are unlikely to be one-sided: if a new face appears, it will be because an old one has left. This premise is necessary to examine the forward line.
It is a strange area at Milan this year. The team is staying at the top thanks to the contributions of the veterans, experienced players, Allegri’s tactical options, the ability to run an attacking phase involving the whole team, and Pulisic’s form. But for now, Milan cannot strictly rely on the attack. With Gimenez’s zero goals in the league, coupled with ongoing physical struggles and resulting psychological strain, the club is considering a change in the central forward position.
If the Mexican leaves, who could arrive? Some profiles are emerging as the winter transfer window is only days away. The two names most frequently mentioned are Zirkzee and Fullkrug. Both are having seasons below expectations for various reasons, playing less than planned: 354 minutes across nine appearances for the Dutchman at United, 413 minutes across nine appearances for the German at West Ham. Joshua has one goal, Niclas zero. Both are clearly seeking redemption.
The main difference is the type of striker. Zirkzee is a connecting forward rather than a traditional goal finisher, someone who moves, drops back, and links with teammates. Fullkrug is strong in the air, a classic center forward with traditional movements and less interest in collective play. Zirkzee is more technical, Fullkrug more physical. It seems odd to consider one as an alternative to the other, yet Allegri has apparently signaled openness to both, as suggested by his first five months at Milanello.
Allegri has repeatedly said it is not a conceptual problem to play with a more or less false nine. He has relied on Pulisic, a roaming playmaker, and on Leao, gradually adapting from winger to central forward, even though he will never be a pure striker. Therefore, Allegri would have no problem with someone like Zirkzee. At the same time, it is reasonable to assume he would not reject a more traditional striker, evident from the near-unconditional trust given to Gimenez, who did not score much but provided classic number 9 movements and work.
If we weigh the options 51-49%, based on characteristics Fullkrug slightly edges out. Zirkzee’s main advantage is his experience with Serie A, which should not be underestimated for a January arrival. If Gimenez leaves for either Zirkzee or Fullkrug, the next question is: in Max’s 3-5-2, who would make way? The attack needs reinforcement to increase offensive potential, but when fit, the starters are Leao and Pulisic. Who would be sacrificed?
This reflection is necessary because from January onward, after the Supercup, Milan will only have the league until May. Barring injuries or suspensions, tough decisions must be made, guided by philosophy rather than rotation logic. If Zirkzee returns to his Bologna form or Fullkrug to his Bremen or Dortmund form, it would be interesting to see a front three with Pulisic and Leao on the wings and one of the two as center forward. From 3-5-2 to 3-4-3. Keeping a two-striker system, the lineup would simply reward merit throughout the week: contract renewals, desire to excel, and potential loan deals with buy options give every player strong incentives to perform.
After matches, during downtime, some players enjoy a few rounds thanks to a quick aviator download, sharing laughs after intense moments and trying not to overthink Milan’s tactics or the solutions Allegri will use in the next fixture. Fans also share opinions and reviews online via platforms like Trustpilot.
Either way, AC Milan’s attacking department will rely on adaptability and the depth of the squad in the coming weeks, and every training session or small break becomes a chance to reset mentally. Fans, meanwhile, wait eagerly, hoping the forward returns in time to make a difference for the Supercup and the crucial fixtures ahead.
