The absence of Adrien Rabiot represents a problem that goes beyond simply replacing a starter. Ahead of the away match against Udinese, Rúben Amorim must do without one of the most influential players in his Milan side, capable of providing quality in build-up play, physical presence and, above all, an important contribution in front of goal.
The French midfielder will be unavailable for the match at the Bluenergy Stadium due to a right calf strain. This absence comes at a particularly delicate moment for the Rossoneri, who are coming off a 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth in the Europa League and face a week that will culminate in the derby against Inter.
Rabiot's numbers explain his importance to Milan
To understand the importance of the Frenchman, it is enough to look at his performances in the league. In the first seven rounds of Serie A, Rabiot has scored four goals and provided three assists, contributing directly to seven goals. This contribution has made him one of the most productive midfielders in the competition at the start of this season.
It is not just about attacking statistics. His physicality allows him to compete in midfield duels, while his off-the-ball runs offer Milan an additional option when the forwards are busy combining in tight spaces.
Rabiot is also capable of playing several roles. Amorim has used him in an advanced position as well, but his performances as a midfielder have highlighted how important it can be to have him in an area of the pitch from which he can contribute to both build-up play and defensive work. His ability to support attacks without losing contact with the defensive line is a resource that is difficult to replicate with a single change.
Jashari, Musah and Modric: how the midfield could change
Without Rabiot, Amorim must redesign at least part of the team's balance. Among the options considered ahead of the match is the possibility of relying on a midfield featuring Musah and Modric, with Jashari as another alternative in central midfield. The final decisions, however, depend on the setup the Portuguese coach wants to adopt against the 'Friuli' side, writes Pianeta Milan.
The possible use of a player more accustomed to operating in a central position would make it possible to maintain an organised structure in possession. What could be missing compared with Rabiot is, above all, the ability to quickly turn a ball recovery into an attacking run and to make well-timed runs into the penalty area.
Modric can provide vision and quality in distribution, while Musah offers dynamism and the ability to cover ground. Jashari, meanwhile, represents an option for bringing order to the play. None of them, however, automatically reproduces the combination of physicality, forward runs and attacking output that the Frenchman has provided at the start of this season.
Not just goals: the problem of maintaining balance
The real challenge for Amorim will be to prevent the absence of the number 12 from resulting in a less balanced team. The Frenchman is valuable when Milan need to move up the pitch, but also when they have to protect the defence and support the forwards without leaving too much space between the lines.
Against an Udinese side coming off five consecutive league defeats, Milan will have the opportunity to impose their game. For this very reason, however, it will be important not to confuse the opponents' poor run of form with a guarantee of victory: the Friuli side may look to exploit any misplaced passes and spaces left open during transitions.
Without Rabiot, the Rossoneri will have to find a different distribution of responsibilities. More players will be required to support attacks, while whoever occupies the central area will have to provide defensive protection and continuity in ball circulation.
Udinese, Bologna and the derby: an important week
The trip to Friuli is only the first fixture in a tightly packed run of matches. After the game against Udinese, Milan will face Bologna in the midweek round on 28 October, before the derby against Inter on 31 October.
Managing energy levels and recovering unavailable players therefore become key considerations. In Rabiot's case, the staff will have to assess how the strain develops before determining his return date. At present, his absence for the match in Udine is confirmed, while his availability for the subsequent fixtures cannot yet be taken for granted.
Amorim will therefore have to show that Milan can remain competitive even without one of their most productive players. The Frenchman's numbers explain why his absence matters, but the response will have to come from the team as a whole: against Udinese, Milan will need balance, quality in possession and greater clinical finishing in front of goal.
