Three players one yellow from a ban: Milan walking disciplinary tightrope in Bologna

One of the aspects that AC Milan must take into consideration in a crucial part of the season is potential suspensions.

Milan will take to the field at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara this evening to play in their seventh game of 2026. The Rossoneri have so far drawn three out of their six games in the new year, with Inter moving eight points clear at the top as a result, though tonight is a game in hand.

Massimiliano Allegri arrives in Emilia with several significant absences. In addition to the long-term patient Santiago Gimenez, neither Alexis Saelemaekers nor Christian Pulisic will be available. Rafael Leao and Niclas Füllkrug are only fit enough to come off the bench, too.

Walking a tightrope

What makes matters worse is that three Milan players will need to be wary of receiving yellow cards as they are currently on the list of those who are one caution away from having to serve a one-match suspension.

The trio are Adrien Rabiot, Youssouf Fofana and Zachary Athekame. The two Frenchman are expected to start in the midfield, while the Swiss  will most likely get the nod in place of the injured Saelemaekers.

Should they receive a yellow card and subsequently be suspended, they would be forced to miss the next match away from home against Pisa, scheduled for Friday 13 February.