Milan’s Injury Woes: A Recurring Theme?
Last Friday, AC Milan traveled to Verona’s Bentegodi Stadium facing a significant injury crisis.Seven key players – Florenzi, Bennacer, Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Jovic, Okafor, and Musah – were unavailable for the match. To compound matters, Rafael Leao was forced off the pitch during the game due to a left thigh flexor issue. This unfortunate situation evokes memories of last season, when Milan endured a grueling period plagued by injuries, notably during November, which hampered their progress in both the Champions League and Serie A.
While there are some notable differences between this season’s injury woes and last year’s, the recurring theme of key players being sidelined remains a concern. Bennacer, for instance, has recently returned to training, offering a glimmer of hope. Additionally, there’s optimism surrounding Christian Pulisic’s potential return for the December 29th match against Roma.One positive progress this season is the integration of young talents from Milan’s youth academy, such as Camarda, Liberali, and Jimenez, into the first team. This infusion of fresh talent has provided valuable depth and experience for the senior squad.
However, certain players continue to struggle with recurring injuries, raising questions about their long-term fitness and availability. Jovic,Bennacer,Florenzi,Okafor,and Loftus-Cheek have all experienced multiple setbacks,mirroring a pattern observed last season. While occasional injuries are inevitable in a demanding sport, the frequency and nature of these recurring issues warrant further investigation.
milan’s medical staff and coaching team must analyze these recurring injuries to identify potential underlying causes and implement preventative measures.Just as adjustments to training regimens and preparation methods helped mitigate the injury crisis last season, a similar approach coudl be applied to player recruitment.
Taking into account a player’s injury history during the transfer process can definitely help minimize the risk of future setbacks and ensure a more robust and resilient squad.
A Closer Look at the 2024/25 Season Injuries:
The following list details the significant injuries sustained by AC Milan players during the 2024/25 season:
Mike Maignan: Complete injury to the extensor tendon of the second finger (left hand) – sidelined for 79 days (July 27th - October 14th),missing 9 games.
Alessandro Florenzi: Cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus rupture – injury sustained on July 28th.
Álvaro Morata: Low-grade injury to the left rectus femoris - sidelined for 23 days (August 19th – September 11th), missing 2 games.
Malick Thiaw: Ankle sprain – sidelined for 21 days (august 30th – September 20th), missing 3 games.
Ismaël Bennacer: Third degree calf injury – sidelined for 104 days (September 8th – December 21st), missing 21 games.
Mike Maignan: Blunt trauma to the right thigh - sidelined for 2 days (September 17th – 19th), missing 1 game.
Davide Calabria: Adductor strain – sidelined for 8 days (September 21st – 29th), missing 2 games.
Noah Okafor: Muscle strain – sidelined for 2 days (September 27th – 29th), missing 1 game.
Davide Calabria: Low-grade injury to the soleus of the left calf - sidelined for 23 days (October 5th – 28th), missing 3 games.
Luka Jovic: Overload in the pubic area – injury sustained on October 5th.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Right thigh flexor strain – sidelined for 12 days (October 5th – 17th), missing 1 game.
Pierre Kalulu: Calf problem – injury sustained on October 18th.
A look Back: AC Milan’s Injury Woes in Recent Seasons
AC Milan’s quest for glory has been frequently hampered by a string of unfortunate injuries. Examining the club’s injury records from the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons reveals a concerning pattern and highlights the impact these setbacks have had on the team’s performance.
Season 2023/24: A Season Marred by key Absences
The 2023/24 season saw several key players sidelined for significant periods. notably, midfielder ismael Bennacer suffered a severe left rectus femoris injury in September, keeping him out of action for a staggering 41 days and causing him to miss seven crucial games. This absence undoubtedly impacted Milan’s midfield stability and creativity.
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan also faced a setback with a flexor problem in September, missing two games. Defender Fikayo Tomori’s hamstring injury in October resulted in an 18-day absence and four missed matches, further weakening Milan’s defensive line.
Adding to the woes, striker Divock Origi endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a thigh strain, missing 9 games. The cumulative effect of these injuries undoubtedly contributed to Milan’s inconsistent performance throughout the season.
Season 2024/25: A Continuation of the Injury Trend
The injury bug continued to plague AC Milan in the 2024/25 season. Forward Tammy Abraham was sidelined for 14 days with a shoulder problem, missing four games. Alvaro Morata, a crucial attacking asset, suffered multiple injuries, including a head injury and an adductor strain, resulting in a combined 9 days out and two missed matches.
Midfielder Christian Pulisic faced a frustrating calf injury, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s hamstring issue kept him out for a significant period. These recurring injuries in key positions highlight the need for AC Milan to address its injury prevention strategies and squad depth.
the Impact of Injuries
The high number of injuries sustained by AC Milan players in recent seasons has undoubtedly impacted the team’s performance.
Squad Depth: The recurring injuries have exposed the limitations of Milan’s squad depth, forcing the team to rely on inexperienced players or field weakened lineups.
Tactical Adaptability: Injuries have often forced Milan’s manager to deviate from his preferred tactical approach, limiting the team’s ability to adapt to different opponents. Team Morale: A string of injuries can negatively impact team morale and confidence, making it harder for players to maintain consistency and perform at their best.
Looking Ahead: Addressing the Injury Crisis
AC Milan must prioritize injury prevention and management to ensure long-term success. This could involve:
Investing in Sports Science: Employing a dedicated team of physiotherapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and nutritionists to develop personalized training programs and injury prevention strategies.
Squad Rotation: Implementing a more strategic rotation policy to manage player workload and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Targeted Recruitment: Focusing on signing players with proven durability and a history of avoiding serious injuries.
By addressing these issues, AC Milan can hope to minimize the impact of injuries and build a more resilient squad capable of competing at the highest level.
A healthier Squad: Analyzing AC Milan’s Injury Record
AC Milan’s medical staff deserves commendation for their work this season.A comparison with the previous year reveals a significant advancement in the team’s injury situation.
As of November 2023,the Rossoneri have recorded 22 injuries,a notable decrease from the 29 injuries sustained during the same period last season.
This reduction in injuries is accompanied by a shorter average recovery time. Last season, muscle and tendon issues were particularly prevalent, accounting for 22 out of the 29 total injuries. This year, the number of muscle and tendon injuries has decreased, with only 16 out of 22 total injuries falling into this category.
Furthermore, the number of long-term absences has also diminished. While 10 players faced absences of a month or more last season, only four players (Sportiello, Florenzi, Bennacer, and Jovic) have experienced similar extended periods on the sidelines this year.
While a recent cluster of injuries has emerged, often stemming from pre-existing conditions or unique circumstances (such as Pulisic’s return from international duty with an injury), the overall trend remains positive.
The proactive approach taken by Paulo Fonseca and his medical team has demonstrably yielded positive results. Addressing the injury crisis that plagued the previous season has been a key priority, and the early returns are encouraging.
The hope is that this positive trend will continue throughout the remainder of the season, ensuring a healthier and more competitive AC Milan squad.
MilanS Injury Crisis: Deja Vu or a Course Correction Needed?
AC Milan’s recent trip to Verona wasn’t just about facing a formidable opponent; it was a stark reminder of a recurring nightmare. Seven key players were unavailable, with star forward Rafael Leao departing with a muscle injury during the match. This echoes the agonizing injury crisis that hampered Milan’s dreams last season.
While some differences exist between this season’s woes and last year’s, the recurring theme of key players sidelined is a deep concern. The recent progress of Bennacer returning to training and the hope for Pulisic’s return against Roma offer glimmers of hope. However, recurring injuries to players like Jovic, Bennacer, Florenzi, Okafor, and Loftus-Cheek raise serious questions about long-term fitness and availability.
Milan’s medical team and coaching staff must implement a rigorous analysis of these recurring injuries. Identifying underlying causes and implementing preventative measures should be a top priority. Just as adjustments to training regimens helped mitigate the crisis last season, a similar pro-active approach is needed.
Focusing on player recruitment with careful consideration of injury history is crucial. This could help minimize future setbacks and ensure a more robust squad.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Closer Examination
The 2024/25 season has already seen significant setbacks. Maignan, Florenzi, morata, Thiaw, Bennacer, Calabria, Okafor, Loftus-Cheek, and Kalulu all succumbed to various injuries, leading to missed games and disrupted team dynamics.
Looking back at last season, the injuries to Bennacer, Maignan, Tomori, and Origi proved particularly damaging. These absences impacted not only midfield stability and defensive solidity but also attacking prowess.
The Ripple Effect: Squad Depth and Performance
These recurrent injuries expose a vulnerable lack of squad depth. Milan has been forced to rely on inexperienced players, affecting team cohesion and performance.This situation highlights the urgency for strategic recruitment, bringing in quality players who can seamlessly integrate and contribute when injuries strike.
The answer isn’t simply finding replacements; it’s about building a squad with the resilience to withstand the inevitable blows of a demanding season.
Moving Forward: A Proactive Approach is Key
AC Milan’s history is steeped in triumph, but success requires more than just talent. It demands meticulous attention to detail, a proactive approach to injury prevention, and a strategic recruitment policy that prioritizes long-term fitness alongside skill.
Milan’s current injury crisis presents a crucial learning chance. By acknowledging the past, analyzing the present, and embracing a proactive approach, the Rossoneri can pave the way for a healthier, more robust future, one where injuries are no longer a stumbling block on the road to glory.
