AC Milan received a boost at their Milanello training ground as Ismael Bennacer returned to group training, signaling his imminent comeback after a lengthy injury layoff.
The Algerian midfielder has been sidelined for over three months due to a grade three calf injury sustained while on international duty. The severity of the issue led to surgery in Finland on September 16, performed by Dr. Lasse Lempainen. Now, with the worst behind him, Bennacer is close to being fully available for manager Paulo Fonseca.
Bennacer’s return to full training with his teammates brings him closer to a spot in the matchday squad. The 26-year-old could potentially be included for Milan’s next Serie A fixture against Roma, scheduled for December 29 at San Siro – the final match of 2024. If not ready by then, Bennacer might make his comeback in early January 2025 during the Italian Supercup, with Milan facing Juventus in the semifinal on January 3.
The Rossoneri are set to welcome back other key players for the Roma clash. Fonseca announced good chances of seeing Christian Pulisic return, while Luka Jovic and Alvaro Morata are also expected to be back in the squad.
Meanwhile, Rafael Leao is scheduled for medical tests today to determine the extent of the thigh flexor issue he experienced during the Verona match. Fonseca expressed optimism post-game, stating, “Rafa told me it’s nothing special, I believe we could have him available against Roma.”
