AC Milan face an uncomfortable situation ahead of the 2026/27 Serie A season, with two key players, Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot, set to join new head coach Ruben Amorim’s preparations much later than the rest of the squad.
Both France internationals were given additional time off after representing their country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They are now expected to return to Milan training on August 16, leaving the club with only around a week to get them ready for the opening Serie A fixture against Torino.
The delayed return could create another challenge for Amorim as he attempts to establish his tactical ideas and build a new identity for the Rossoneri. With the new campaign approaching quickly, the Portuguese coach must integrate his most experienced players while also dealing with several unresolved squad issues before the transfer window closes.
Maignan’s situation is particularly significant because of his status as Milan’s captain and first-choice goalkeeper. Rabiot, meanwhile, is expected to provide leadership and experience in midfield as Amorim begins his project at San Siro.
Maignan and Rabiot Extend Their Holiday
According to reports from several Italian media outlets, Maignan and Rabiot were initially expected to return to Milan around August 14.
However, following their extended involvement with France at the World Cup and the demanding travel schedule that followed, both players opted to take additional time away before returning to club duty.
Their arrival on August 16 means Milan will have only a handful of training sessions to prepare them for competitive action.
That presents an obvious physical challenge. After a prolonged international tournament, players require time to recover before rebuilding match fitness and adapting to their club’s tactical system.
For Amorim, the timing is far from ideal.
The new Milan manager is attempting to implement his footballing philosophy, and every training session is valuable during the final stages of pre-season. Having two senior players absent for most of the preparation period could make the transition more complicated.
Milan Increasingly Frustrated by the Timing
The situation has reportedly caused some frustration within the Milan camp, particularly because other players who also participated deep into the World Cup have already returned to their respective clubs.
Milan must now find a way to accelerate the integration of Maignan and Rabiot without exposing either player to unnecessary physical risks.
The club will not want to rush them into action immediately after their extended break, especially with a long Serie A campaign ahead.
Rabiot’s situation appears relatively straightforward. The midfielder has previously indicated his willingness to continue playing for Milan and remains committed to helping the club during the 2026/27 campaign.
His return should therefore provide Amorim with an experienced option in midfield and another important voice inside the dressing room.
The challenge is simply ensuring that Rabiot can quickly regain his fitness and understand the tactical demands of his new coach.
Maignan’s Future Adds Another Layer of Uncertainty
The situation surrounding Mike Maignan is more complicated.
While Milan desperately need their captain at his best, questions have continued to emerge over the goalkeeper’s long-term future at the club.
Maignan has previously attracted attention after removing several Milan-related photographs and references from his social media accounts. The move fueled speculation that his relationship with the club may not be entirely comfortable.
Further questions were raised when Maignan was reportedly absent from the funeral of Milan legend Franco Baresi, an incident that generated additional discussion about his current connection with the Rossoneri.
None of those developments necessarily means that Maignan is preparing to leave Milan, but they have certainly increased scrutiny surrounding his position.
From a sporting perspective, however, there is no doubt that Milan need him.
The French goalkeeper remains one of the most important players in the squad and is expected to play a major role in Amorim’s plans. His leadership, distribution, shot-stopping ability and experience could prove crucial as the Portuguese coach attempts to reshape the team.
Amorim Faces Race Against Time
The timing of Maignan and Rabiot’s return leaves Amorim with little room for error.
Milan’s opening Serie A fixture against Torino is approaching rapidly, and the new coach needs his squad to be physically prepared and tactically synchronized from the beginning.
The challenge is even greater because Amorim is trying to establish a different style of football at San Siro. His system demands discipline, intensity and a clear understanding of positional responsibilities.
Maignan and Rabiot will therefore need to adapt quickly once they return to training.
For Maignan, the priority will be regaining his sharpness and understanding how Amorim wants his goalkeeper to contribute during build-up play. Rabiot, meanwhile, will have to familiarize himself with the midfield structure and pressing mechanisms preferred by the Portuguese coach.
Milan Still Have Squad Decisions to Make
The late return of the two France internationals is not the only issue facing Milan before the transfer window closes.
The club is still working on the composition of the squad, with potential arrivals and departures expected to influence Amorim’s options.
The Portuguese manager therefore needs to balance short-term preparation with longer-term squad planning.
Having Maignan and Rabiot available will undoubtedly help, but Milan cannot afford to rely solely on their experience. The younger players and summer recruits must also adapt quickly if the Rossoneri want to compete at the highest level throughout the campaign.
A Crucial Week Ahead for the Rossoneri
Milan now face a crucial period before the start of the new Serie A season.
Maignan and Rabiot are expected to return on August 16, leaving roughly one week before the opening fixture against Torino. That period will be used to assess their physical condition, restore match sharpness and introduce them to Amorim’s tactical demands.
The club must also carefully manage their workload to avoid injuries after an intense international summer.
For Amorim, the objective is clear: build a competitive Milan side as quickly as possible while maintaining the fitness of his most important players.
The arrival of Maignan and Rabiot will provide a major boost to the squad, but their delayed return means there is little time for adjustment.
With a new manager, a developing squad and several unresolved issues still surrounding the team, AC Milan’s opening week of the 2026/27 Serie A season could be crucial in determining how quickly the Rossoneri adapt to the beginning of the Ruben Amorim era.
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