AC Milan have been dealt a major blow ahead of their weekend clash against Fiorentina. Star midfielder Adrien Rabiot has reportedly sustained a more serious injury than initially feared — a setback that could keep him sidelined for up to a month.
The French international, who has quickly become an influential figure in Milan’s midfield since his arrival, will now face a spell on the sidelines, forcing Max Allegri to rethink his tactical setup and find a reliable replacement.
While many expected this situation to open the door for Samuele Ricci, the promising new signing may have to wait longer for his moment, as reports suggest another name is being prepared to fill Rabiot’s role.
A Nightmare Called Calf Injury
Rabiot’s injury troubles began after returning from international duty with the French national team. According to medical reports, he suffered a strain in the soleus muscle of his left calf, which caused discomfort during training sessions this week.
Subsequent scans confirmed the presence of a lesion in that area. The club’s medical team will conduct a further evaluation in the next ten days to monitor his recovery progress.
However, multiple Italian and French media outlets have predicted the worst-case scenario — Rabiot could be out for three to four weeks, ruling him out of key Serie A fixtures and potentially one or two Champions League matches as well.
Loftus-Cheek to Step In
Losing Rabiot is a significant blow for the Rossoneri, given his vital contributions since joining the club on the final day of the summer transfer window. His versatility, ball control, and defensive awareness have made him a mainstay in Allegri’s tactical setup.
Now, the coach is expected to turn to Ruben Loftus-Cheek as the most likely candidate to replace the injured midfielder. The former Chelsea man has shown flashes of brilliance and physical dominance in midfield, and this could be the perfect chance for him to solidify his spot in the starting lineup.
With Fiorentina coming up next — a team known for their aggressive pressing and high tempo — Milan will need Loftus-Cheek to step up and provide both energy and creativity in the middle of the park.
Ricci Still Waiting for His Chance
Many fans had hoped Rabiot’s absence would finally give Samuele Ricci, Milan’s summer signing from Torino, a golden opportunity to prove himself. The 22-year-old is regarded as one of Italy’s most promising midfielders, praised for his composure and technical intelligence.
Unfortunately, Allegri seems reluctant to throw Ricci into a crucial fixture so soon. Reports from Milanello suggest the youngster remains low in the pecking order, with Allegri preferring more experienced options for the time being.
Adding to the team’s midfield woes, Ardon Jashari is still recovering from his own injury, leaving the Rossoneri with limited depth heading into a congested fixture schedule.
What’s Next for Milan?
With crucial matches coming up in both Serie A and the Champions League, Milan’s management and supporters will be hoping Rabiot’s recovery progresses faster than expected. His leadership and consistency in midfield will be sorely missed.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Loftus-Cheek and Ricci — two players who could shape Milan’s midfield identity in the coming weeks. Whether Allegri opts for experience or gives youth a chance, the next few games could determine how resilient Milan truly are in the face of adversity.
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