AC Milan defender Alessandro Florenzi suffered trauma in his left knee in a recent goalless draw with Bologna. Tests revealed a lesion in the internal meniscus, meaning Florenzi must undergo arthroscopic surgery, according to Antonio Vitiello. This presents a major blow to both Florenzi and the league leaders.
Alessandro Florenzi to Undergo Surgery Following Injury Sustained Against Bologna
The Impact for Milan and Florenzi
Milan sit atop the Serie A table. After their recent draw, however, they are only one point above Napoli and four above Inter Milan, but Inter still have a match in hand. There are seven games remaining in the league schedule for Milan, meaning every single match will have final-like implications. Losing a key veteran and depth piece like Florenzi is certainly a blow.
Florenzi isn’t Milan’s starting right-back. That role belongs to Davide Calabria. Florenzi, however, plays very often. He can play both fullback positions if needed, but he’s also extremely versatile and can even be slotted in the midfield or the right-wing. His pinpoint crosses and long shot ability make him more than just a defender.
This creates issues for Milan’s bench. Pierre Kalulu, who’s been rising amongst the team’s ranks, can play right-back if needed. He’s been starting at centre-back, however, due to Simon Kjaer’s injury as well as the constant knocks on Alessio Romagnoli. It’s safe to say Milan’s defence has already been decimated with injury, and Florenzi’s just accentuates this. Club manager Stefano Pioli has tough decisions to make every match in this department.
Florenzi can also change a match with just his experience. He is an Italian national team constant and has played at the highest levels previously for AS Roma and Paris Saint-Germain. His expertise will now only come from the bench.
Furthermore, Florenzi is on loan at Milan from Roma. It remains to be seen if this injury will impact his future with Milan.
Main Photo
