MN: Allegri hoping irreplaceable Saelemaekers can make another ‘lightning recovery’

Alexis Saelemaekers has been literally undroppable in the eyes of Massimiliano Allegri so far this season, and he hopes for another rapid recovery.

As MilanNews write, aside from the goalkeeper and captain Mike Maignan, the player who has played the most minutes so far this season was not in the squad last year: Alexis Saelemaekers. Having returned from his loan at Roma, he has become critical to Allegri’s tactical plans.

Always on the field

It may seem incredible, but in the 25 matches Milan have played so far this season (21 in Serie A, three in the Coppa Italia, and one in the Supercoppa Italiana) Saelemaekers has always started . A total of 2,073 minutes of action.

His relationship Allegri blossomed immediately: the coach, after two positive seasons with Bologna and Roma, identified the Belgian as the perfect fit for his right flank and even in May he gave instructions to close all doors to a potential permanent exit.

Alexis wanted to stay at Milan, and upon returning to Milanello, he has grown in every aspect, especially mentally. Now he is irreplaceable, as the numbers tell us, and is also one of the team’s leaders as well as one of Allegri’s new protégés.

Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images

Another rapid recovery

After yet another great performance against Lecce, in which he provided a wonderful assist, Saelemaekers had to throw in the towel due to what he himself described as a muscular problem. More in-depth assessments revealed a strain in his left adductor, which will be monitored day to day.

Fortunately for Milan, their next match is at the Olimpico against Roma in six days. On paper, there would be time to recover, even if it will not be easy. What can be looked at, however, is a previous incident from this season.

In October, Alexis returned early from international duty with a muscle injury. Nonetheless, six days later, the Belgian was back on the pitch from the start against Fiorentina, demonstrating that a lightning recovery is within reach. The hope is that he can face the team he was at last season.