Santiago Gimenez is already on'last call before Rafael Leao returns
Santiago Giménez is facing a crucial crossroads in his Rossoneri career. With Rafael Leão still in the pits due to the calf problem that has been plaguing him for weeks, the Mexican center forward has the opportunity to prove his worth against Bologna, but the rumors circulating at Milanello speak for themselves: Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly seriously considering the Portuguese striker’s employment in the role of first forward once he recovers from injury. For Giménez, therefore, Sunday night’s challenge at the Meazza could represent the last chance to convince the Tuscan coach of his centrality in the tactical project.
Leão’s prolonged absence has put the spotlight on Milan’s offensive difficulties, with Giménez called upon to bear the brunt of the Rossoneri’s attack alone. The Portuguese, who has been out of action since last August due to an elongative injury to his right calf suffered in the Coppa Italia match against Bari, had had to leave the field after just 17 minutes, precisely to make room for the Mexican center forward. Since then, the former Feyenoord has had to work overtime, also missing the season’s debut against Cremonese and the subsequent win against Lecce.
Giménez’s situation became even more complicated during last summer, when his name ended up at the center of market rumors. The player’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, had had to categorically deny rumors of a possible departure: “Giménez is not about to leave AC Milan and is not going anywhere” had been his words reported by the media. However, the club had actually considered the Mexican’s inclusion in some market transactions, including the negotiation for Artem Dovbyk from Roma.
The return to the group of Adrien Rabiot, who yesterday underwent his first full training session after commitments with the French national team, represents an additional asset for Allegri ahead of the challenge against Bologna. The midfielder, strongly desired by the coach who had already coached him at Juventus, could provide the quality in the middle of the field needed to serve better balls to Giménez. Pulisic, Maignan and Estupiñán have also returned to Milanello, while Leão continues his individual recovery program.
Leão’s own statements during the Gentleman Fair Play award ceremony leave no room for doubt about his tactical availability: “Me center forward? It is a position I know well, the coach has great experience and I am available to play point or outside”. Words that sound like a wake-up call for Giménez, who knows well how Allegri has always favored tactical pliability and experience at crucial moments of the season.
