Milan‘s Serie A campaign is nearing its conclusion, but what should be a charge toward the European spots has turned into a damage-control mission. As the Rossoneri prepare to take on Udinese at the Stadio Friuli on Friday, they do so in ninth place, eight points off the European qualification spots, and staring down the barrel of a season that may end without continental competition for the 2025-26 campaign.
For head coach Sergio Conceicao, whose future at the club appears increasingly uncertain, this fixture carries more than just three points. It represents a crucial test of resilience, tactical creativity, and depth—qualities that have been strained to the limit in recent weeks.
With just seven games remaining, the Rossoneri must find a way to win almost all of them, especially with a Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Inter looming. But this weekend’s clash is complicated by a wave of injuries, forcing Conceicao to rethink not just his line-up, but his entire approach.
Injury crisis hits hard: Gimenez joins Walker on sidelines
The most recent and damaging blow came in the form of striker Santiago Gimenez, who has been ruled out of the Udinese game after a painful collision in the previous match against Fiorentina. The Mexican forward suffered breathing difficulties and a sore side after clashing with David De Gea. “I can say this: Santi won’t be there tomorrow evening,” Conceicao confirmed during his press conference. “He is not recovered.”
Though scans ruled out any fractures or internal injuries, Milan’s medical staff opted to take a cautious approach, removing him from contention for the Friuli trip. His absence is a tough pill to swallow, especially as the Mexican striker has been in the midst of an eight-game goal drought since early February.
To make matters worse, Kyle Walker, the veteran right-back on loan from Manchester City, also underwent urgent surgery for a fractured elbow earlier this week. La Repubblica reports that he could return in late April or early May.
Tactical tweaks on the horizon
The absence of Gimenez has forced the Portuguese manager into tactical experimentation. Reports from MilanNews suggest that the coach trialed a more aggressive 4-4-2 formation during training, pairing Tammy Abraham and Luka Jovic together up front. This would mark the first time both strikers start together under Conceicao in Serie A, although the manager has used a similar approach in cup matches.
Despite experimenting with a dual-striker setup, Conceicao is expected to revert to a 4-2-3-1, with the English striker leading the line and Jovic held in reserve as a potential impact substitute. Roma’s loanee, having scored in consecutive games, is seen as the more in-form option.
What about Pulisic, Leao, and Felix?
As the line-up takes shape, Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao are both expected to start, while Joao Felix remains a wildcard. The Portuguese attacker, on loan from Chelsea, has yet to fully convince, and while his technical quality is never in question, his consistency remains an issue. Should Conceicao opt for a late-game reshuffle or need to chase the result, Felix could be introduced from the bench.
The predicted starting XI includes Mike Maignan in goal, a back four of Jimenez, Gabbia, Thiaw, and Theo Hernandez, and a midfield double pivot of Fofana and Bondo. Ahead of them, Reijnders is tipped to return as the No.10, with Pulisic and Leao flanking him and Abraham leading the attack.
Predicted Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Jimenez, Gabbia, Thiaw, Theo Hernandez; Fofana, Bondo; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Abraham.
