Milan’s injury crisis intensified when Simon Kjaer limped off during the trip to Juventus with a muscular problem.
The Rossoneri had already visited the Allianz Juventus Stadium without six first choice players, leaving behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Olivier Giroud, Davide Calabria, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Rade Krunic and Junior Messias.
Alessandro Florenzi is not at 100 per cent either, so Fikayo Tomori was used as a right-back today.
It means Kjaer could not be rested and that ultimately proved damaging, because the Denmark international pulled up with a muscular problem during the first half against Juve this evening.
Pierre Kalulu came on for his first appearance of the season, returning Tomori to centre-back.
Kjaer had been rested for the 2-0 win over Lazio last week, but played 90 minutes in the Champions League trip to Liverpool.
There had been concerns that Mike Maignan might not start in goal tonight either, as he bruised his left wrist during the Mohamed Salah penalty save at Anfield, but he was able to take the gloves.
⏱️ 34′ 🔄@simonkjaer1989 is forced off, Kalulu is going to come on.#JuveMilan 1-0 #SempreMilan
Powered by @ENEOSUSA pic.twitter.com/nW0j8xeknF— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 19, 2021
As long as Tomori is fit, we can cope in the central defensive area. Once again, Kalulu showed his maturity coming on in such a difficult game. We should hopefully also see more of Gabbia at some stage – never let Milan down when called upon. The situation will only become disastrous if Tomori picks up an injury.