AC Milan’s struggles in Serie A and the Champions League persist as they faced a setback in their recent match against Lecce, drawing 2-2 after relinquishing a 2-0 lead. The team’s woes deepened with early injuries to Rafael Leao and Davide Calabria, both forced off the pitch due to adductor issues. Unfortunately, this adds to Milan’s growing list of muscular injuries, reaching a staggering total of 16 for the season.
Milan’s head coach, Stefano Pioli, expressed his concern in a post-match press conference, acknowledging the unusual frequency of muscular injuries within the squad. While Pioli struggled to comprehend the root cause, he emphasized that the physical and mental stress levels from consistent play could contribute to the players’ vulnerability. The team’s 2-1 victory over PSG midweek offered a brief respite, but the subsequent draw with Lecce highlighted the ongoing challenges Milan faces on multiple fronts.
In an effort to address the issue, Pioli hinted at the need for a comprehensive review of the team’s training methods and overall approach to player conditioning. The relentless schedule, both in Serie A and the Champions League, has undoubtedly contributed to the heightened stress levels on the players. Pioli remains determined to find a solution to the injury crisis, recognizing that it poses a significant obstacle to Milan’s aspirations in domestic and international competitions.
Milan Lab’s Legacy Under Scrutiny as Muscular Injuries Raise Questions
The history of AC Milan includes the establishment of Milan Lab, a facility founded decades ago under the ownership of Silvio Berlusconi. The primary objective of Milan Lab was to closely monitor individual players, proactively preventing muscular injuries. However, despite the club’s efforts, the current season has seen a significant number of setbacks, with 16 different muscular injuries afflicting Milan players.
The recurring nature of these injuries has led to speculation regarding the effectiveness of the training methods employed by the club. Even with the advancements made by Milan Lab, the majority of the setbacks this season have been muscular in nature, prompting a closer examination of the training regimen. In total, the squad has endured 22 different setbacks, encompassing various types of injuries, further raising questions about the team’s preparation and conditioning strategies.
As the scrutiny on Milan Lab intensifies, there is a growing call for a comprehensive assessment of the facility’s protocols and their alignment with modern sports science. The club’s commitment to player well-being remains unwavering, but the persistent injury issues demand a thorough reevaluation to ensure the long-term fitness and success of the squad. The legacy of Milan Lab, once hailed for its innovative approach, now faces a critical examination amid the pressing challenges the team confronts on the field.
