AC Milan will leave Gonçalo Ramos out of their Europa League meeting with Bournemouth as a precaution, with Ruben Amorim seeking to protect the Portuguese forward after he felt muscular tightness during the last match.
The decision
Amorim said Ramos had reported a minor physical issue during the game and will now be monitored over the next few hours and training sessions. The former Paris Saint-Germain striker has been given rest rather than being pushed into the European fixture.
“It is a precautionary absence,” Amorim explained. “He felt something, a slight tightness in the muscle during the match. We will see how he reacts in the coming hours and in the next training sessions.”
The outlook is less clear for Samuel Chukwueze. Amorim suggested the Nigerian’s problem does not appear to be the same as Ramos’s and may require greater attention from Milan’s medical staff.
“I cannot say for certain, but I think it is a different issue from Ramos,” the Milan coach said. “It could potentially be more serious. We will make all the necessary assessments with the medical team.”
The absences open a door for Cisse, who Amorim expects to feature against Bournemouth. The coach was careful, however, not to burden the young player with expectations, describing him as still only halfway towards his potential.
Amorim highlighted Cisse’s ability to operate in several roles and use either foot, while noting that experience remains the part of his game that must grow. He also pointed to the progress of Camarda, praising the young forward’s work rate and humility.
“Cisse is at 50 per cent of his potential and only at the start of his path,” Amorim said. “Young players must not be rushed. Football can be like a rollercoaster and the fall can come quickly. He will have the chance to play tomorrow and he is ready, but he can improve enormously.”
Sunday’s picture
Milan arrive in Europe after analysing the late collapse against Atalanta, coached by Maurizio Sarri. Amorim reviewed the goals his side conceded and believes the response must concern both the tactical work and the team’s mentality in difficult passages of a match.
“We watched the goals again and studied how to prevent those situations,” he said. “We have to improve as a team, tactically and mentally, so that we manage certain moments of the game better.”
Looking ahead to Bournemouth, Amorim expects a more demanding contest than Milan’s previous outing. He anticipates greater quality in individual duels and a higher tempo, but said his side are prepared for the level of the occasion.
