Since his injury contracted during the France-Azerbaijan match on October 10, Adrien Rabiot has been going through a frustrating period. Affected in the soleus of the left calf, the French midfielder was announced to be absent for around forty days, a logical duration for such a fragile muscle. But the Frenchman surprised everyone with the speed of his recovery. Invisible work, steely mentality, impeccable hygiene… The former OM and PSG midfielder did everything possible to return earlier than expected. If it had been up to him, the native of Saint-Maurice would have already returned to competition and would even have entered the group for the clash against Roma. However, despite his determination and his feeling of being ready, Milan refused to give in. The Rossonero staff, keen to avoid any relapse in a particularly sensitive area, closed the door to any premature risk. His frustration is real, but the message from the club is clear: patience is required and priority is given to total recovery. This sporting and medical choice takes on a diplomatic dimension with the approach of the international break in November.
France has yet to validate its ticket for the 2026 World Cup, and Didier Deschamps is naturally counting on one of his executives. But on the Milan side, a clear line is emerging, namely that it is out of the question to lend Rabiot to the selection without absolute guarantees. The Lombard leaders have already obtained an agreement with the American selection for Pulisic in order to avoid an early call-up, and they are discussing with the Blues staff to obtain the same treatment for the Frenchman. Allegri recalled that the dialogue was open with the selectors, but the club wants to protect its player and assures that the selectors also need players in top form. Between Italian caution and French urgency, the diplomatic standoff is becoming clearer. While Christian Pulisic, also injured during the last international break, was able to return to the group more quickly, the Frenchman’s case remains managed with even more caution…
Allegri warns Deschamps
By sending this strong signal, Allegri is in reality sending a clear warning to Didier Deschamps: Milan do not want to take any risks, even if Rabiot is eager to return and despite the challenge for the Blues. The date of November 8, for a possible return against Parma, is mentioned with caution, but nothing will be rushed: “We lost a few players after their international obligations, but that’s inevitable. We need to recharge our batteries because it’s more or less the same players who play regularly. Leão is doing well and trained yesterday. Tomori has ruled out any knee problems, but he has a significant thigh effusion. He has already played injured, and we will see if he will be available, but it is very uncertain. I think I can count on Pulisic before the match against Parma. Rabiot is very unlikely to be available. Giménez has an ankle problem: if he recovers, he will join us. Estupinán is recovered, and Jashari is unlikely to be on the bench.. Taking the time to have Rabiot at 100% rather than losing him for several months, such is the philosophy put forward by Allegri this Saturday at a press conference, before the match against AS Roma.
Rossonera’s priority, for the moment, is not France, but Adrien Rabiot: “we will first see if we can recover Rabiot and Pulisic. Pulisic is available for Parma, then we will see if he will play for the national team. We work with the coaches, who understand the situation and the physical condition of the players. They also need players in top form. We are in contact with everyone and will keep them informed of their fitness. Rabiot irreplaceable? Each player has their own characteristics, so asking others what Adrien does is irrelevant. With the players we have, we try to play differently. Fofana is progressing a lot, both defensively and in his offensive build-ups, and he can still do better.. For his teammates, his absence is an obvious lack, but Allegri welcomes the rise of Fofana and the adaptability of his group. The Italian coach knows that the former Parisian is irreplaceable by profile, but he prefers to preserve an essential player rather than exposing him too early. However, no one is fooled and AC Milan wants to find its midfield general in perfect condition, and this message, addressed as much to the supporters as to Deschamps, sounds like a reminder of authority and rigorous management of senior players.
