Milan find themselves in a situation of defensive uncertainty: two key players, Alexis Saelemaekers and Matteo Gabbia, were forced to suspend the season well in advance. Saelemaekers, injured in his right ankle, will undergo surgery already performed in 2024, while Gabbia, who left the match against Sassuolo injured, has a left thigh flexor injury which will require a specialist consultation to decide whether to undergo surgery or opt for conservative therapy. Both players will not be able to return to the field before the new year, leaving Milan with a double tile in central defence.
The current defensive squad includes Pavlovic, Mario Gila, De Winter and Tomori, reinstated after the close of the summer transfer window. Other players such as Diawara, Filippo Terracciano and Bartesaghi can be used as right-wingers in the three-man defence. With the reduction of central defenders due to injuries, coach Amorim will have to focus on a new recruit in January. Fikayo Tomori, whose contract is expiring, is still available and could increase his role on the pitch, although he has so far only participated on the bench.
Milan have already identified potential reinforcements for the following season, including Goncalo Inacio and Leny Yoro, but the negotiation can only proceed in January. As for the free agent market, the current list, which includes players such as Acerbi and Sergio Ramos, offers no immediate solutions for the club. Recently, Dani Carvajal, former Real Madrid, left the list of free agents by signing with Getafe.