Milan Series a campaign approaches its conclusionBut what should be a fee against the European sites has been transformed into a damage control assignment. When Rossoneri prepares to take on Udinese at Stadio Friuli on Friday, they do ninth placeThe eight points of the European qualification sitesand stares down at the barrel in a season that can end Without continental competition for the 2025-26 campaign.
For head coach Sergio ConcepticaoWhose future in the club seems increasingly uncertain, this fixture has more than just three points. It represents a crucial test of resilience, tactical creativity and depth – qualities that have been strained to the limit in recent weeks.
With only seven matches left, Rossoneri must find a way to win almost all, especially with one Coppa italia semifinal other legs against inter TRUO. But this weekend’s collision is complicated by a wave of injuries, which forces Conceicao to rethink only his line-up, without his entire approach.
The injury crisis hits hard: Gimenez walks with Walker on the side line
The latest and harmful battle came in the form of strikers Santiago Gimenezwhich has been excluded from the Udinese game after a painful collision in the previous match against Fiorentina. The Mexican forward LED Breathing difficulties and one Sore After colliding with David de Gea. “I can say this: Santi won’t be there tomorrow night,” ProCEicao confirmed during its press conference. “He’s not recovered.”
Although scanning excluded any fractures or internal injuries, Milan’s medical staff chose to take a careful approach and removed him from battle for the Friuli trip. His absence is a tough pill to swallow, especially as Mexican striker has been in the middle of an eight-game target dryer Since the beginning of February.
To make things worse, Kyle WalkerThe veteran right -back on loan from Manchester City, also underwent urgent surgery for a crackled elbow Earlier this week. Republic reports he could return by the end of April or early May.
Tactical tweaks on the horizon
The absence of Gimenez has forced the Portuguese manager into tactical experiments. Reports from Milannews suggest that the coach tried A more aggressive 4-4-2 formation During training, mating Tammy Abraham and Jovic’s wound together in front. This would mark the first time both strikers start together during Conceicao in Serie A, even though the manager has used a similar approach in Cup matches.
Despite experimenting with a double-pill set, Conceicao is expected to return to a 4-2-3-1With the English striker who leads the line and Jovic held in reserve as a potential impact replacement. Roma’s borrowers, after scoring goals in consecutive matches, is seen as the more shaped alternative.
How about Pulisic, Leao and Felix?
When line-up takes shape, Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao are both expected to beginwhile Joao Felix remains a yoke sign. The Portuguese attacker, on loans from Chelsea, has not yet fully convinced, and although his technical quality is never questioned, his texture remains a matter. If Conceicao chooses a late-game to scoop or need to chase the result, Felix could be introduced from the bench.
The Predicted start XI Includes Mike Maignan in goal, one rear four of Jimenez, Gabbia, Thiaw and Theo Hernandezand a midfield double pivot of Fly and Bondi. In front of them, Reijnders tipped to return as no.10with Pulisic and Leao that flank him and Abraham the leading attack.
Predicted Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Jimenez, Cage, Thiaw, Theo Hernandz; Fofana, Bondo; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Abraham.
