PM: Conceicao set to drop Fofana for Milan-Parma clash – the reasoning | OneFootball

Youssouf Fofana has played an extensive amount of minutes for AC Milan this season, and he will be awarded a rest this weekend. However, it is not for the reason imagined.

In midfield, Tijjani Reijnders and Fofana have played almost 5,000 minutes between them. A ludicrous figure considering there is no backup for them. However, the French half of the duo will be given a chance to rest this weekend.

According to Pianeta Milan, Sergio Conceicao is set to start with a midfield three of Ismael Bennacer, Tijjani Reijnders and Christian Pulisic against Parma, with Reijnders dropping back into central midfield, rather than the advanced position he has been deployed in recently.

Whilst the reasoning may partially be for Fofana to have a rest, the Frenchman is currently one yellow card away from a suspension and with the Derby della Madonnina around the corner, Conceicao is unwilling to risk his position in such a pivotal match.

Of course, this then comes with the added bonus of the rest.

Bennacer certainly looked sharper against Girona in midweek, and with the French midfielder showing signs of fatigue both physically and mentally, it is only a good thing that he is being offered such a chance before a fixture like the derby.

After all, any signs of weakness will be pounced on by Inter, and a player like Fofana will be pivotal for the fixture.