CM: Saelemaekers’ return pencilled in after initial scans – the game in mind

Alexis Saelemaekers has arguably been AC Milan’s most important player this season, and now he faces some time sidelined.

There have been a few standout players so far this season, and it would be difficult to not include Saelemaekers in that collection of players. The Belgian has been superb, and arguably, he is the key to Massimiliano Allegri’s system.

At wing-back, he facilitates the 3-5-2 perfectly, and whilst he is not the only one to do so, he is arguably the man who makes it all click. Considering Allegri is thinking of a formation change because of his absence, it says it all.

Saelemaekers’ return date

For this weekend, it seems likely that Zachary Athekame will be given a chance to start. He is the natural replacement for the wing-back and is ready to make his debut, as Calciomercato.com writes.  It also means there is no need to change systems.

He should, then, be the cover until the winger returns, which, based on the initial scans, could be the game against Atalanta. Failing that, the match against Roma on November 2 or even the Parma game could be the target.

As we have seen with the Ardon Jashari recovery situation, Milan are not willing to take risks to rush recoveries this season.