Milan’s season has reached one of those early moments when the calendar begins to feel longer than it looked a week ago. In Reggio Emilia, Matteo Gabbia’s injury added a serious personnel concern to a defence that has already conceded too often, particularly from dead-ball situations. With eight matches to play before November’s international break, Ruben Amorim faces a reduced margin for rotation and an urgent need for greater concentration at the back.
The coach and the club
Gabbia was handed his first starting place of the campaign, but his afternoon ended after around 15 minutes. Attempting an interception near the halfway line, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his left thigh and remained on the ground. The defender could not walk off, leaving on a stretcher in evident distress, with tears in his eyes and his face covered by his hands.
Amorim went over to speak to the 46-shirted defender before he returned to the dressing room, visibly affected by the incident. Gabbia later left the stadium on crutches.
Milan regard the problem as serious. He is due to undergo an MRI examination to establish the full extent of the injury, including whether the tendon has been affected. Tendon damage could require surgery and potentially keep him out for three to four months.
The timing is particularly awkward for Amorim. Gabbia’s absence would limit the coach’s ability to manage his defensive options across the eight fixtures scheduled before the next November break.
A recurring problem from set pieces
The injury was not the only concern to emerge at the Mapei Stadium. Milan have now conceded in five of their seven competitive fixtures this season, including Europa League matches, and Amorim had expected a more compact response from his side.
Set pieces have become a familiar warning sign. Torino scored through Adams after a Gineitis free kick, while Juventus found an equaliser through Gatti from a Koopmeiners delivery. In Reggio Emilia, Laurienté’s corner was redirected by Doig before Odenthal finished from close range in a crowded penalty area.
For Amorim, the issue is not merely the number of goals but the lapses in marking and reaction around the second ball. Similar shortcomings had already appeared in pre-season, when Milan conceded two such goals against Chelsea and one against Manchester United. The coach now needs a solution quickly as the fixture list tightens.
Saelemaekers also faces a long absence
Alexis Saelemaekers is due in Amsterdam for an assessment of his right ankle by Professor Gino Kerkhoffs. Should an operation be required, Kerkhoffs is expected to perform it the following day.
The Dutch specialist operated on Gimenez, now at Porto, in December. Saelemaekers is currently expected to be sidelined for approximately four months, leaving Milan with another significant absence at a demanding point of the campaign.
