AC Milan are facing a mounting injury crisis after Adrien Rabiot was ruled out for at least a month with a calf lesion sustained on France duty. Christian Pulisic has also been sidelined with a hamstring tear he sustained in a friendly for the United States, leaving Milan short-handed ahead of a crucial run of Serie A fixtures for Massimiliano Allegri's title hopefuls.
Rabiot injury blow confirmed after France duty setback
Rabiot’s return from international duty has brought bad news for Milan, with scans confirming a left calf muscle lesion that will sideline him for at least four weeks, according to . The injury, sustained during France’s recent fixture against Iceland in the World Cup qualifiers, was initially thought to be minor, but further tests revealed the true extent of the problem.
The ex-Juventus midfielder has quickly become one of Milan’s most dependable midfielders since joining from Marseille on deadline day. His ability to dictate tempo and control transitions has been vital to Max Allegri’s tactical setup, making his absence a major blow. The Frenchman’s condition will be reassessed in 10 days, but an early return appears unlikely.
The timing of the setback adds to Milan’s woes, with Rabiot’s absence expected to overlap with a critical run of fixtures that includes Fiorentina, Pisa, and Atalanta before the international break.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesPulisic joins growing injury list amid fitness worries
Milan’s troubles don’t end in midfield, Pulisic’s hamstring injury compounds the situation further. The American winger limped off just 30 minutes into his latest international appearance, and subsequent MRI scans confirmed a low-grade tear in his right hamstring. He is expected to miss at least three matches, including Fiorentina, Pisa, and Atalanta, with the club confirming that his condition will also be evaluated again in 10 days.
The Rossoneri hope to have the current Serie A joint-top scorer back for the match against Roma on November 2 at San Siro. Failing that, they would target the away match against Parma six days later. The club do not expect him to be in danger of missing the Milan derby against Inter on November 23.
Winger Rafael Leao had also been sent home from Portugal duty earlier in the week due to fitness concerns, while Pervis Estupinan and Alexis Saelemaekers remain doubts. The cluster of injuries is testing the Rossoneri’s depth and forcing Allegri to reconsider his attacking structure ahead of a demanding October schedule.
Tactical reshuffle looms as Allegri searches for balance
Allegri now faces a tactical puzzle: how to preserve balance and momentum with key players missing. Early reports indicate Ruben Loftus-Cheek will slot into Rabiot’s role in midfield. His box-to-box style and physicality make him the closest fit, though he lacks the same control in possession.
Some fans have called for Samuele Ricci, signed from Torino, to get his chance, but he remains lower in the pecking order. Ardon Jashari is another potential candidate once fully recovered from a fibula fracture. The injuries could also prompt subtle shifts in formation, possibly a flatter midfield three or a more defensive setup against top opponents. Milan’s next few games will reveal how flexible Allegri can be when faced with adversity.
AFPUpcoming fixtures and recovery outlook
The Rossoneri currently sit third in Serie A with 13 points from their opening six matches, and they’ll look to maintain their strong start despite the setbacks. A 2-1 loss in their first Serie A game of the season was followed by a four-game winning run in the top-flight before they played out a 0-0 draw with Juventus before the international break. Up next for Allegri's men is a visit from Fiorentina at San Siro on October 19, followed by clashes with Pisa and Atalanta before the next international break.
Both Rabiot and Pulisic are scheduled for reassessment within 10 days, with hopes they can return by late November if rehabilitation progresses smoothly. Until then, Allegri will rely on depth, discipline, and resilience to navigate a crucial stretch.
