It was a day of returning faces for AC Milan in Perth, Australia, where Ruben Amorim's side are continuing their preparations for the new season. The Rossoneri are now gearing up for a demanding test just three weeks before the Serie A campaign begins: the Derby della Madonnina against Inter.
As mentioned, Milan welcomed back two key figures to their squad today. Alongside Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers, Ardon Jashari and Luka Modrić have also rejoined the team following their holidays after participating in the FIFA World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
With the return of the Croatian and the Swiss midfielder, and considering that Adrien Rabiot, another crucial presence in Milan's midfield due to his quality, talent and characteristics, is still yet to report, the Rossoneri now find themselves with an overcrowded midfield. This is particularly significant given that Amorim intends to base his tactical philosophy on a 3-4-2-1 formation, which features only two central midfielders.
At present, in addition to Modrić, Rabiot and Jashari, Amorim also has Youssouf Fofana, Samuele Ricci, Yunus Musah, Christian Comotto and Ruben Loftus-Cheek available in midfield, although the latter has frequently been deployed in a more advanced attacking midfield role. With only two starting spots but eight players competing for them, Milan need to reduce the numbers in the department. According to Tuttosport, this could see a player such as Youssouf Fofana placed on the list of potential departures.
Over the past few days, the French midfielder has received two interesting approaches, one from Crystal Palace in the Premier League and another from Beşiktaş in Turkey. The situation is currently being assessed from all sides, with Milan waiting for a concrete offer while the player reflects on his future. Fofana is eager to convince Amorim to keep faith in him, but he is also fully aware of the fierce competition in midfield and the possibility that his playing time could decrease compared to previous seasons, as relayed via Calcio Mercato.
The situation remains one to watch closely, with this month expected to be decisive in determining how it develops.
