MN: Recoveries, balance and assists – why having Fofana back for the final is crucial | OneFootball

Youssouf Fofana missed the game against Bologna on Friday due to injury, but he is expected to return for Act II: the final in Rome.

As MilanNews report, there are three days left until the Coppa Italia showdown between Milan and Bologna, a match that for the Rossoneri could change the overall judgment of a very difficult campaign to this point.

The Rossoneri are naturally determined to win their second trophy of the year, which would still be a great achievement, and coach Sergio Conceiçao will understand in the next few hours whether he can rely on Fofana.

He left the pitch during the first half of the league match against Genoa with some discomfort in the bottom of his foot, and was absent on Friday against Bologna at San Siro.

Fofana: Working hard to return

Let’s rewind the tape of the French midfielder’s last week. As usual, Fofana started last Monday’s match against Genoa at the Marassi but had to throw in the towel after half an hour. He was replaced by Rafael Leao, who was decisive in the comeback.

In the following days, the former Monaco man followed a therapy program at Milanello, resting in the first game against Bologna to avoid risks. On Saturday, he began a personalised training program on the pitch together with Fikayo Tomori, who came off after a blow to the head on Friday.

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The absence of Fofana should not be underestimated, not only because he quickly became a starter for Milan and for a large part of the season he was also one of the best players, but because he and Tijjani Reijnders form a well-oiled duo.

Furthermore, the 26-year-old has brought some balance to a midfield that had not had it for some time, with his ability to recover the ball. The statistic that stands out the most, however, are his assists: nine for the season. He is third on the list after Rafael Leao’s 11 and Christian Pulisic’s 10 ,

In his place, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has already been tested in the last two matches, a profile that Conceiçao likes a lot. The Rossoneri are therefore covered even if – given the possible absence of Bondo – it would be crucial to recover Fofana at least for the bench.