AC Milan’s injury woes claimed two more victims this weekend, in the form of Noah Okafor and Tommaso Pobega, and the injury to the latter may force the Rossoneri to change their January plans.
It has been an awful season for Milan in regards to injuries. CalcioMercato.com writes that in the 2023-24 season, 20 of the 27 first-team players have been subject to at least one injury. A harrowing figure that explains Stefano Pioli’s usage of the Primavera players at his disposal this season.
Whilst the Diavolo’s defensive injury issues have been widely discussed, Pioli may be about to face another – concerning his midfielders. The situation looks bleak for Tommaso Pobega, and it seems as though he could undergo surgery.
The issue could be somewhat solved in January, with two solutions currently being discussed. However, it would require papering over cracks in other areas.
Firstly, Milan may temporarily place a transfer regarding Rade Krunic on hold. The Bosnian’s situation with the Rossoneri has quickly deteriorated to the point where he has not appeared for the side in the previous four fixtures, not even as a substitute. However, with Pobega’s injury and Ismael Bennacer’s probable call-up to the African Cup of Nations, he could stay for the time being.
Alternatively, and the more probable of the solutions, Milan may postpone the arrival of a new striker. Unfortunately, a new forward is becoming seen as a luxury, as opposed to a requirement, given the current injury climate, with a new midfielder internally being seen as a necessity.
