Between one transfer storyline and another, Milan are waiting to see whether Crystal Palace will release Mateta during this window. At the same time, kick-off is approaching for the Dall’Ara clash against Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna, who come into the game buoyed by a convincing 3–0 Europa League win over Tel Aviv that has brought calm and confidence to the Rossoblù camp.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side head into the Emilia trip with several fitness doubts, reports today’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport. Saelemaekers, who was substituted at half-time against Roma after a recurrence of the adductor problem he picked up late on against Lecce, has not recovered and will miss the match.
The Belgian is out, while Christian Pulisic is still not at his best. On Friday, a rest day granted by Allegri, the Rossoneri’s number 11 nevertheless showed up at Milanello to undergo treatment. He was joined by Alexis and Füllkrug. It is still unclear whether the American will be available for the game. Allegri and his staff hope to have him at least on the bench and then use him during the match, as happened in Rome.
The list of knocks also includes the usual Füllkrug, still struggling with a fracture to a toe on his right foot. Caution, writes the pink paper, suggests using him only for a brief spell rather than from the start.
As things stand, the starting attacking duo appears set to be the same one Allegri fielded at the Olimpico against Gasperini, namely Nkunku and Leão. Even here, though, Rafa continues to deal with pubalgia. The Portuguese forward alternates intense sessions with lighter ones and is being carefully managed to avoid setbacks. He is doing everything he can to be available and to put himself at the coach’s disposal, despite not yet being fully fit, as relayed via Milan News.
For now, Loftus-Cheek is leading the race to replace Saelemaekers on the right flank. Athekame could be called upon from the start if Loftus-Cheek is instead deployed in attack, keeping either Leão or Nkunku as a weapon to use during the match. In defence there is a doubt over Pavlović, back after nine stitches above his eyebrow. If the Serbian plays, who would make way? Or will Allegri stick with the back line of Tomori, Gabbia and De Winter? In midfield, Fofana is feeling better and is competing with Ricci for a starting spot.
