Adrien Rabiot’s absence has been strongly felt in recent weeks.
The French midfielder was forced to sit out due to a left calf soleus injury suffered while on international duty during the October break. The numbers prove his impact: with him on the pitch, Milan average 2.6 points per game, title-winning form.
Without him, that average drops to 1.8. The difference is clear in goals as well: nine scored and only one conceded (a penalty against Napoli) with Rabiot, compared to eight scored and six conceded without him.
Rabiot back in training on Tuesday?
According to 'La Gazzetta dello Sport', the midfielder was not called up by France for this international break, allowing him to continue his personalized recovery plan to regain top form ahead of the Milan derby after the pause. On Friday, Milan will play a friendly against Entella in Solbiate Arno, but Rabiot will not take part as he continues his recovery work. Tuesday could be an important step, with his return to group training expected.
Will Adrien Rabiot start for Milan in the derby?
It’s too early for certainty, but the feeling is that Rabiot might start against Inter. For Max Allegri, he is indispensable. Before his injury, he had played 450 consecutive minutes, five full matches including the Coppa Italia tie against Lecce. Rabiot’s role in Milan’s midfield is comparable to Luka Modric’s: a deep-lying playmaker, a skillful passer, and a tireless worker who adds balance and drive. His leadership, personality, and experience make him one of the cornerstones of Allegri’s side.
