players unlikely to recover for the supercup fixture
AC Milan faces a significant challenge in their upcoming match against Verona, as they will be without several key players, including Alessandro Florenzi, Ismael Bennacer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic, Luka Jovic, Yunus Musah, Álvaro Morata, and Noah Okafor. Each of these players has been sidelined for various reasons, ranging from injuries to fitness concerns.
1. **Alessandro Florenzi**: The experienced full-back has been struggling with a persistent knee injury that has kept him off the pitch for some time. Despite his efforts to recover, Florenzi has not been able to return to full fitness, which means he will be unavailable for the match against Verona. His absence is particularly impactful given his ability to contribute both defensively and in attack with his overlapping runs.
2. **Ismael Bennacer**: The Algerian midfielder has been an integral part of Milan’s midfield, but he is recovering from a serious knee injury that he suffered earlier in the season. Bennacer’s injury has been a blow to Milan, as his energy, tackling, and passing abilities have been a key part of their midfield dynamics. The club has not rushed his return, and he will not be ready for the Verona fixture.
3. **Ruben Loftus-Cheek**: The English midfielder, who joined Milan in the summer, has also been struggling with a recurring muscle problem. Loftus-Cheek’s physicality and ball control are crucial for Milan’s midfield, but his recent fitness issues have prevented him from being included in the squad. Milan will need to find an alternative solution in midfield in his absence.
4. **Christian Pulisic**: The American winger has been a key attacking threat for Milan, but he is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Pulisic had shown promising form early in the season, contributing goals and assists. However, his injury will keep him out of the Verona match, reducing Milan’s attacking options on the wing.
5. **Luka Jovic**: The Serbian striker has been out with a calf injury. Jovic’s injury has come at a bad time for Milan, as they were relying on him to provide depth in attack. While he is still recovering, Milan’s offensive line will miss his physical presence and aerial ability, which could have been useful against Verona’s defense.
6. **Yunus Musah**: The American midfielder, who has been struggling with fitness issues, will also miss the Verona game. Musah, who joined Milan from Valencia, had shown flashes of his talent but has had difficulty maintaining consistency due to his physical concerns. His absence means Milan will have to adjust without his dynamism and box-to-box presence in midfield.
7. **Álvaro Morata**: Morata’s absence is another blow to Milan’s attacking depth. The Spanish striker has been sidelined with a knee problem, and although he was expected to make a return soon, he will not be available for this match. Morata’s experience and ability to link up play will be missed, especially in tight games like this one.
8. **Noah Okafor**: Okafor, who joined Milan recently, has been dealing with a thigh injury that has hampered his progress since his arrival. The Swiss forward had been showing promise in his appearances, but his injury will prevent him from contributing against Verona. Milan will need to find alternative attacking options without Okafor’s pace and creativity.
n conclusion, Milan’s match against Verona will be particularly challenging due to the absence of these eight players. Their injuries and fitness struggles have significantly impacted the team’s options, both in attack and in midfield. The squad will have to rely on those available to step up, but the depth and quality of the missing players will undoubtedly be felt.