The news coming out of Milanello in the last few hours has shaken the Rossoneri world: three new injuries hit the squad ahead of the away trip to Udine, bringing the total number of absentees to six players. It is undeniably a tough situation, but one that Milan will face with the character that has always defined this club.
The Three New Absentees
The latest casualties are Adrien Rabiot, Diego Moreira and Mario Gila. The Spanish centre-back’s case is perhaps the most unfortunate: he did not even feature in the most recent Europa League fixture, yet suffered a minor muscular strain during today’s training session. A sign that the cumulative physical load of recent weeks deserves careful attention. Rabiot had only played the second half in the last European outing, while Moreira‘s situation is still being assessed by the medical staff. The recovery timeline for all three will be monitored day by day, with a close eye on the home fixture against Bologna — scheduled for Wednesday evening at San Siro — and the following Milan derby.
The Other Absentees: Chukwueze, Saelemaekers and Gabbia
These three new setbacks add to the already confirmed absences of Samuel Chukwueze, who is dealing with a hip issue requiring injections, Alexis Saelemaekers and Matteo Gabbia. Milan will therefore arrive in Udine with a significantly reduced squad, though not without quality and the desire to fight for three points.
A Silver Lining: Gonçalo Ramos Returns
Amid the gloom, there is genuine good news: Gonçalo Ramos is back in contention after his recent precautionary layoff. The Portuguese striker returns to Amorim’s disposal, ready to lead the attack alongside Christian Pulisic, who will also be available.
Probable Line-up Against Udinese
How will the Rossoneri line up? Coach Amorim will need to be creative. With both Moreira and Chukwueze out on the flanks, Omari Hutchinson could feature on the right wing. At the back, the absence of Gabbia will likely push Fikayo Tomori into the starting XI, leaving the defensive unit with very little cover. In midfield, Davide Bartesaghi could be used in an adapted role alongside Luka Modrić and Yunus Musah, potentially within a 3-4-3 system designed to provide both compactness and energy. Up front, the Pulisic–Ramos partnership looks like Amorim’s surest bet.
The Congested Calendar and the Physical Management Question
The volume of injuries recorded in recent weeks inevitably reopens the debate on athletic management and the increasingly congested fixture schedule. This is not a Milan-specific issue: Juventus, Roma and Napoli are all facing similar physical emergencies, a sign that the problem is systemic. That said, Milanello will be reflecting on how best to optimise training loads going forward. Rotations have been used, and the feedback from matches will continue to provide valuable information in finding the right balance between intensity and recovery.
Udine has historically been a tricky ground, but Milan has the character and technical ability to face this challenge head-on. Forza Milan — together we overcome every obstacle. 🔴⚫
