Milan injury crisis: Leao and Pulisic doubts ahead of Napoli clash

Milan’s attacking crisis looms ahead of Napoli showdown

AC Milan head into a pivotal Serie A fixture against Napoli on Sunday with a growing injury crisis threatening their top-two ambitions. Manager Massimiliano Allegri faces a significant attacking dilemma, as both Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic are serious doubts for the clash. According to Pazzidifanta, Leao has been managing pubic inflammation, forcing him to train separately before the international break. The Portuguese winger spent the break in Portugal undergoing specialist assessments, and his availability remains uncertain.

Pulisic, meanwhile, endured a tough spell with the United States national team and is reportedly unlikely to start even if declared fit. The potential absence of both players strips Milan of their most dynamic and creative wide threats, leaving Allegri without his primary sources of width and penetration against a disciplined Napoli side under Antonio Conte.

"Losing both Leao and Pulisic removes Milan’s pace and unpredictability — two qualities they’ll desperately need against Conte’s compact structure," suggest football analysts.

Füllkrug and Nkunku set for crucial roles

With the first-choice attackers sidelined, Niklas Füllkrug is the most likely candidate to lead the line, having started in Milan’s last league match against Torino. The German striker offers physical presence and hold-up play, but lacks the pace to stretch Napoli’s backline. In support, Christopher Nkunku could make his first start since February’s match against Como, bringing technical quality and intelligent movement between the lines.

While Nkunku’s return would add creativity, his lack of match sharpness after months on the sidelines poses a risk. Santiago Gimenez is another option after returning from injury as a substitute against Torino, though starting him in such a high-stakes game would be a stretch given his limited fitness. The most probable scenario is a Füllkrug-Nkunku partnership, representing a shift from Milan’s usual direct style to a more possession-based, link-up approach.

Tactical implications and title race consequences

The potential tactical reshuffle highlights Milan’s lack of depth in wide areas, exposing a vulnerability that Conte’s Napoli could exploit. Without natural wingers, Milan may be forced to rely on full-backs for width, leaving them exposed on the counter. This clash comes at a critical juncture, with Milan fighting to secure second place and keep fading title hopes alive.

A loss could open the door for Inter and Juventus to pull away, while a win — especially without Leao and Pulisic — would demonstrate resilience. Either way, this match could influence Milan’s transfer strategy in the summer, with reinforcements in attacking positions likely to be prioritised to avoid similar crises in future campaigns.