AC Milan is facing some serious injury woes as they move into the latter part of August. The club finds itself with two long-term absentees, Sportiello and Florenzi, alongside a significant blow with their primary striker, Morata, set to miss at least three weeks of action. This situation is particularly concerning, especially given that the season has just begun.
Morata’s recent muscle injury is a significant setback for the Rossoneri, as he not only serves as a key player but also acts as the central figure in their attacking setup. Reports indicate that he will miss crucial matches against Parma on August 24 and against Lazio in Rome on August 31, with a potential return slated for September 15 against Venezia. However, even with that return on the horizon, his availability for the following derby remains uncertain, leading to a cautious approach from the club to avoid any unnecessary risks.
The pressing question now is who will lead the attack in Parma on Saturday. Despite the severity of Morata’s injury, Milan is not looking to sign a replacement from the transfer market. Instead, they will rely on the players already at their disposal. An immediate candidate to step in is Luka Jovic, who is often suggested as the obvious choice. However, his performance in the recent match against Torino was far from convincing, as he managed only 18 touches in an hour of play, failing to create any real threats on goal.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Jovic struggles in a lone striker role. He thrives in a two-striker setup or when coming off the bench, ideally against tired defenses. The introduction of Okafor into the game underscored this point, as he demonstrated the kind of forward play that aligns more closely with the team’s attacking strategy. His movement and ability to interchange positions can offer a different dynamic, much like the effective link-up between Morata and Leao in previous matches.
Consequently, Okafor is likely to take the lead as the main striker at Tardini, with Jovic remaining on the bench. Joining him could be young talent Camarda, who has begun his journey with the U23s positively, recently scoring his first goals as a professional in the Coppa Italia victory over Novara. While he is still in the development phase, Camarda’s name has certainly come into the conversation as a potential option if needed, though starting him from the outset remains unlikely.
As Milan navigates this injury crisis, their ability to adapt and utilize their squad depth will be put to the test, with the focus on steady growth and preparedness for the challenges ahead.