GdS: ‘Milan blunted’ – doubts surround Pulisic, Nkunku, Füllkrug and Leao before Cagliari trip

AC Milan risk playing their first game of 2026 with an emergency in the attack, as all four options have doubts surrounding them.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, the attacking duo that defeated Verona on Sunday are doubtful for the first away game of the new year on Friday in Cagliari. Christian Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku missed yesterday’s training and will be under the microscope again today and tomorrow.

Niclas Füllkrug is not certain to be available against the Rossoblu. In his case, however, it’s not his physical condition that’s at issue, but rather the international transfer required to complete his registration. It must all be done by 16:00 on Friday for the German to be available.

And Rafael Leao? He was out against Verona, he completed the entire session with the team yesterday. The inflammation in his right adductor, following the injury he suffered in Turin on December 8th, is bothering him less and he feels more free to move.

Attack blunted

Allegri is keen to keep Pulisic and Nkunku together in Cagliari on Friday, the two players who scored the three goals that swept Verona aside on December 28. The problem is their physical condition.

The American was still experiencing some discomfort yesterday with the right flexor he injured while playing for the United States in October. The muscle has healed, but the scar occasionally bothers him. That’s why he underwent medical tests yesterday.

Today’s work at Milanello will provide further insight, but Max is confident he won’t have to be without him, as he was on November 29th in the victory against Lazio.

Nkunku isn’t feeling great either, as he has an ankle problem. It does not appear to be anything serious, but it’s still a setback the coach would have done without. The Frenchman made a breakthrough in the league on Sunday, and he hopes he continue to blow up balloons.

Füllkrug is fine and trained with his team-mates yesterday. He may not be in top condition, but he’s very motivated after his negative experience at West Ham. His goal is to earn a spot in Germany’s World Cup squad. He’s settled in well with the group, with the right attitude, and can make a significant contribution.

As mentioned, he needs to be fully signed by 4pm on Friday, otherwise his debut will be postponed until the match against Genoa. There’s a strong belief within Milan that the bureaucratic process will be completed, but today and tomorrow are holidays.

Leao has shown encouraging signs over the last two days. His adductor is looser and affecting him less than last week. He’s still not at his best, and since he hasn’t played in almost a month, Allegri doesn’t want to use him from the start.

That’s why he’s hoping Pulisic and Nkunku are fit to start from minute one. Rafa shouldn’t be risked because January is packed with matches, and the No.10 is needed at his best.