A long-term injury crisis at Milan is not subsiding as Yunus Musah picked up a fitness problem that threatens to sideline him for Sunday’s home clash against Monza. According to Calciomercato, the United States international has suffered a muscle strain following an exhausting Champions League clash against Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Musah, who joined Milan from Valencia in the summer, has quickly established himself as a crucial first-team element in Stefano Pioli’s tactical set-up. The 21-year-old has racked up 13 appearances in Serie A this season, including nine starts since an infamous 5-1 humbling at the hands of Inter in September.
Though he’s yet to score for Milan, his admirable work ethic and tireless runs in the midfield have earned him unlimited trust from Pioli. He’s been Pioli’s version of Gennaro Gattuso in a midfield setting featuring Tijjani Reijnders and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Given the level of intensity with which Musah plays every game, it’s barely a surprise he has suffered muscle fatigue.
It’s now up to Pioli to decide. With Milan seemingly determined to cut ties with Rade Krunic, the Bosnian’s return to the starting XI looks highly unlikely. On the upside, they’ve recently welcomed long-serving stalwart Ismael Bennacer back from injury. The Algerian made a late cameo appearance against Atalanta last weekend.
While Pioli may want to avoid risking Bennacer from the start, the options have run thin. Tommaso Pobega is another alternative, yet his performances this season have been unconvincing at best.
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