AC Milan’s squad depth has kept the club atop Serie A despite more than their fair share of injuries and COVID-19 struggles this season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic appeared on the pitch for the first time since November this past weekend. Midfield talisman Ismael Bennacer is still out, while defensive giant Simon Kjaer recently made his return. Winger Ante Rebic is out with COVID-19, just a few weeks since a shoulder injury.
The team, however, has shown strong perseverance and belief in their depth to remain first in the Serie A table.
AC Milan Squad Depth Key as They Top Serie A
Defence and Midfield
Kjaer is crucial to anything Milan does in defence. Captain Alessio Romagnoli hasn’t shined but is solid. Matteo Gabbia played very well in Romagnoli’s early absence but has also been a recent positive case of COVID-19. All three have flip-flopped between their time out, but have all played well while on the pitch.
One key player has been right-back Davide Calabria. He’s played well in his normal position but appeared in the midfield in the last two games. He scored in a short-handed loss to Juventus and filled in the void versus Torino. Loanee Diogo Dalot has been an excellent back-up to Calabria as well.
Calabria played midfield versus Torino after an unfortunate injury to Sandro Tonali. Tonali has filled the void versus Bennacer, although somewhat disappointing, he’s still a young star eager to learn. Rade Krunic, the other back-up midfielder, tested positive for COVID-19, so expect more Calabria midfield minutes with Dalot at right-back.
Franck Kessie has stayed healthy thus far, which has been major for Milan. He’s consistently one of the best players on the pitch and has emerged as a true team leader. Milan absolutely needs him throughout Bennacer’s absence.
Attack
Ibrahimovic is arguably the most important player on this team and has missed several games. Milan, however, continues to succeed. Rebic has missed his share, Hakan Calhanoglu has had knocks here and there, and Alexis Saelemaekers recently tested positive for COVID-19 as well.
Three players who have provided well-needed depth are youngsters Rafael Leão, Brahim Diaz, and Jens Petter Hauge. Leão is making the most positive impact, with five goals and four assists in 13 Serie A matches. This comes after also testing positive for COVID-19 early on in the season. Diaz and Hauge are splendid young wingers who have also provided important goals and assists.
Veteran Samu Castillejo cannot be forgotten. Although inconsistent at times, he’s started plenty of games and put in solid performances. He gets credit for always being willing to play whatever position or role comes to him.
Coming Up Next for AC Milan
Milan’s next six games are very winnable with a depleted squad that should return during that stretch. It starts Tuesday in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 versus Torino, who they just beat.
After that are five straight league showdowns versus Cagliari, Atalanta, Bologna, Crotone, and Spezia. There will surely be more absences due to card accumulation and so on, but realistically the only match that might be more likely to end in a draw or loss instead of a win is versus Atalanta.
This is going to be Milan’s stretch to prove they are a serious Scudetto contender.
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