AC Milan's Fofana Expected to Start as Key Players Face Injury Doubts Against Bologna
Milan, 3 February 2026
French midfielder Youssouf Fofana is poised to feature in AC Milan’s starting eleven for Tuesday’s crucial Serie A clash against Bologna, as manager Massimiliano Allegri grapples with a mounting injury crisis. With Alexis Saelemaekers ruled out due to an adductor problem and Christian Pulisic’s participation in serious doubt following a muscle issue, Fofana’s inclusion becomes increasingly vital. The former AS Monaco player’s potential return to the starting lineup comes at a critical juncture for Milan, who maintain an impressive 21-match unbeaten streak in Serie A dating back to their defeat against Cremonese. Bologna, struggling with just one victory in their last ten league matches, will host the Rossoneri at Stadio Dall’Ara on 3rd February 2026, seeking to replicate their surprise 2-1 victory over Milan at the same venue in January 2025.
Fofana’s Return Amid Squad Disruption
Youssouf Fofana could feature in AC Milan’s starting XI against Bologna, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport [2]. Manager Massimiliano Allegri faces significant selection challenges as he adapts to numerous absences that have emerged in recent hours [2]. The French midfielder’s potential inclusion comes as Milan deals with a growing injury list that threatens to disrupt their tactical setup for the crucial away fixture.
Tactical Adjustments and Squad Depth
With Saelemaekers unavailable, Allegri’s wing options have narrowed to a choice between Athekame and Ruben Loftus-Cheek [2]. The versatility of Loftus-Cheek provides tactical flexibility, as he can operate as a mezzala or in a forward position, particularly given the minor injuries affecting Rafa Leao and Christian Pulisic [2]. Leao trained regularly despite continuing discomfort with an adductor issue, but the Portuguese forward is expected to feature at Dall’Ara [3]. Santiago Gimenez will be absent from the squad for the 3rd February encounter [1].
Historical Context and Current Form Analysis
Milan’s remarkable unbeaten run in Serie A stands at 21 matches, stretching back to their defeat against Cremonese [1]. However, the Rossoneri have experienced setbacks in cup competitions, suffering losses to Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana and to Lazio in the Coppa Italia [1]. Bologna enters Tuesday’s fixture in contrasting form, having secured victory in just one of their last ten Serie A matches whilst losing six [1]. The hosts will be seeking to end a five-game winless streak at their home ground [1].
European Success Provides Bologna Boost
Despite their domestic struggles, Bologna achieved a significant milestone on 29th January 2026, defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv to secure high seeding in the Europa League knockout playoffs, where they will face SK Brann [1]. This European success provides a psychological boost ahead of hosting Milan, particularly given their memorable 2-1 victory over the same opponents at Dall’Ara around 31st January 2025 [1]. Bologna’s goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski was dismissed in their most recent league fixture in Genoa, adding to their selection concerns [1]. Last week’s match saw Bologna squander a two-goal halftime lead to suffer defeat, highlighting their ongoing inconsistency [1].