As AC Milan prepare to face Roma at San Siro on Sunday, there’s a mix of positive and negative news on the injury front for the Rossoneri. The club’s extensive list of absentees may be reduced, though several key players remain doubtful for the upcoming fixture.
Christian Pulisic, who has been a standout performer this season with five goals and five assists in 14 league appearances, has been training separately from the main group. While his full return is not guaranteed, there’s a possibility he could make the bench for the Roma game. The American winger’s recovery has been closely monitored since sustaining a calf injury earlier this month.
In more encouraging news, Ismael Bennacer and Luka Jovic have both rejoined full training, boosting Milan’s midfield and attacking options. However, the team will still be without Rafael Leao, Yunus Musah, Noah Okafor, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Former Roma player Alessandro Florenzi is also set to miss the match against his old club.
A point of interest will be whether Theo Hernandez returns to the starting lineup. The French left-back has been notably absent from recent matches, fuelling speculation about his future at the club.
Roma, on the other hand, have fewer injury concerns to contend with. Their only confirmed absentee is Bryan Cristante, whose ankle injury has proven more serious than initially thought, delaying his return to action.
Given the relatively stable squad situation, Roma manager Claudio Ranieri may opt to field an unchanged team from their recent victory. This could see Milan loanee Alexis Saelemaekers retain his place on the right wing, while former Milan player Stephan El Shaarawy is expected to support Paulo Dybala in attack.
Dybala poses a particular threat to Milan, having been directly involved in 12 Serie A goals against them – more than any other active player. However, it’s worth noting that he has scored only once at San Siro in the league, a goal that dates back to his time with Palermo in November 2014.
AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson, Gabbia, Thiaw, Hernandez; Fofana, Terracciano; Chukwueze, Reijnders, Jimenez; Morata
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Paredes, Kone, Angelino; Dybala, El Shaarawy; Dovbyk
