CM: When Gimenez should return for Milan and the two reasons it could be crucial

AC Milan’s Santiago Gimenez has been out since December 18th, but his return is getting closer with each passing day.

As Calciomercato.com recall, Gimenez had to undergo arthroscopic surgery to fix a lingering issue in his right ankle, but now there is a ‘glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel’. He was the first to reveal it on social media, and now Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed it.

Allegri’s revelation

The coach said in his pre-Como press conference: “Gimenez is much better, he could be back with the team in a month. We’ll have Gimenez back with the team as soon as possible.”

Gimenez has worked with ‘sacrifice, discipline, and a great willpower’ over the past month and a half with a clear goal: to return to Allegri’s service as quickly as possible. The Mexican striker feels the weight of gratitude towards a club that first invested heavily (more than €30m) to sign him.

He also appreciates that the club defended him from criticism despite the fact he has found the net only once this season, on September 23rd in the Coppa Italia against Lecce. When might we actually see him back, though?

Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

If it takes El Bebote another month to return to the squad, it’s unthinkable to see him back on the pitch before the end of March. Milan will be playing at home against Torino on the weekend of March 22nd before the final international break.

Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect Gimenez to be available again for the away match against Napoli on the weekend of April 4th. Gimenez’s upcoming return will be important for Milan for two reasons.

Firstly, Allegri has an extra weapon for the attack and another natural centre-forward to use. Secondly, Santi needs to shine to go to the World Cup with Mexico, which would boost his value and potentially the chances of summer bids coming in.