AC Milan are reportedly confident that midfielder Youssouf Fofana will have recovered from an injury to start against Bologna in the Coppa Italia final next week.
The 26-year-old has been a pivotal figure for the Rossoneri this season, making 49 appearances across all competitions and contributing one goal and nine assists to go with his defensive duties.
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In turn, he has become an important influence in the heart of our midfield, and particularly in his partnership with Tijjani Reijnders, the duo are the heartbeat of the team with their energy, physicality and tenacity.
Having been forced off after just 28 minutes in our win over Genoa earlier this week though, there was concern that Fofana had sustained an injury setback that might put him at risk of missing the final next week, but according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are confident that the Frenchman will recover in time and will be available to face Bologna in Rome.
It’s noted that he suffered with inflammation in his left foot which had been bothering him for a few days, but it’s not considered to be serious with his status to play not in danger.
In contrast, he won’t be risked against Vincenzo Italiano’s side in our Serie A meeting on Friday night so as to avoid potentially aggravating the issue, and so it’s hoped that with additional time to receive treatment and recover, Fofana will be at Sergio Conceicao’s disposal next week and will be ready to play an influential part in our bid to secure another piece of silverware this season.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is expected to deputise for him in our next outing, and so it will be interesting to see if he can give us the same presence and balance in that role alongside Reijnders, but it’s a crucial boost to hear that Fofana is likely to be back for the showpiece event as we look to salvage something from what has been a largely disappointing and underwhelming campaign.
The hope now will be that Milan come through unscathed and with three points on Friday night, to not only boost our chances of climbing the Serie A standings in the final weeks of the season, but to also have as many options available as possible next week to give Conceicao alternative tactical solutions to get the desired outcome at the Stadio Olimpico.