Fonseca explains Jimenez replacing Leao for Milan, injury updates and Theo latest | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca has explained the different elements that Alex Jimenez and Rafael Leao bring to Milan’s left wing, has provided an update on a number of the current Rossoneri absentees, and has shared his thoughts on Theo Hernandez, who has started the last two league matches on the bench.

The Rossoneri coach held his customary pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon, ahead of Sunday’s Serie A match at home against Roma in San Siro.

Fonseca is full of respect and admiration for Roma and Claudio Ranieri, but believes that labelling Milan and their upcoming opponents as ‘disappointments’ this season is a step too far.

“Roma is a great club, they have a great team, good players and a great coach, who has won a lot. Playing against Roma will be special for me, I have lots of friends there, but when it comes to playing, everything will be as normal: The desire to win and play a good game.

“I only think about winning during those 90 minutes.”

epa11736810 AC Milan’s coach Paulo Fonseca reacts during the Italian Serie A soccer match AC Milan vs Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, 23 November 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

And on being labelled a disappointment, Fonseca responded: “No, not for me. I respect those who think so, but it’s not like that.

“The end of the season is still a long way off. If we’re comparing with other teams, I think it’s too much to only talk about Milan and Roma as the ‘disappointing’ teams.”

Fonseca provides Milan injury updates: Pulisic, Leao, Bennacer, Loftus-Cheek

Milan will be without a number of key first team players for the Roma match, including Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao.

epa11761083 Milan�s Christian Pulisic leaves the pitch after an injury during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan, in Bergamo, Italy, 06 December 2024. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

Leao is expected to be replaced by Alex Jimenez, who has starred at left-back in Theo Hernandez’s absence over the last two games and is now expected to start in a more advanced role on the left wing.

“Leao is better in one-on-one situations, Jimenez is more or a crosser, an assist provider. He’ll play with confidence tomorrow,” Fonseca said on that particular tactical choice.

Alex Jimenez  in action during the Trofeo Berlusconi match between AC Milan and AC Monza on August 13, 2024.

And, on the rest of Milan’s unavailable players, the coach added: “I expected to have Pulisic, he’s okay, he recovered from the calf problem, but he’s had an ankle issue over the last two days. It came about during the recovery process and he’s not ready to play tomorrow, not even from the bench.”

“Loftus-Cheek will be back next week. Morata and Bennacer are doing very well, the Algerian is very motivated, I am sure he will play.

“Musah and Leao are more delayed in their recoveries, we’ll see if we can get them back in time for the Supercoppa. We will have eleven ready to play, anyway.”

Is there a possibility that Bennacer, Reijnders and Fofana start together in midfield for Milan in the future?

“I don’t know yet. I know who will play tomorrow, and Bennacer is not in the right condition to start, but I’m really pleased with his return. He’s very motivated, he’s working really well and he also brings a lot of energy to this team.”

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 11: Ismael Bennacer of AC Milan in action during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 11, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

And, on Theo Hernandez, Fonseca added: “He needs to recover physically. I spoke to him and he knows he can do a lot better. I’ve felt very positive about him over the last few days, let’s see how he is”.

Will he be involved against Roma, though?

“We’ll have to wait and see.”