CM: Allegri forced to consider attacking change with Pulisic’s injury

This weekend, AC Milan may be forced into making quite a few changes, and the latest one was revealed last night.

Rafael Leao was a potential returnee this weekend, with Massimiliano Allegri considering a change back to a 4-3-3 system for the Fiorentina game. A decision which would also be influenced by injuries elsewhere.

Alexis Saelemaekers’ flexor problem means that Zachary Athekame would have to play wing-back; alternatively, Fikayo Tomori could have played at right-back with Christian Pulisic ahead of him. Now, that is unlikely.

Who without Pulisic?

Against Australia, the star was forced to come off after 30 minutes, with Mauricio Pochettino suspecting it to be a hamstring issue. However, he has not had any scans yet, so we are not sure of anything timeline-wise.

Suspecting he can’t play this weekend, then Santiago Gimenez would either need a new striker partner or another right-winger would be needed, but that changes with Saelemaekers also injured. So, a 3-5-2 may be needed again.

Photos by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images

According to Calciomercato.com, given that Pulisic has always played this season, it is difficult to imagine him not present. However, if he is to be replaced, there are two options: Christopher Nkunku or Rafael Leao.

The latter may be preferred by Allegri, but if he has not shown any signs that he is ready to commit himself, then Nkunku may be the preference.

We still don’t know the extent of the issue, so whether it is a knock or something more remains to be seen. Hopefully, it is nothing long-term; whether the Rossoneri can afford that right now is certainly questionable.