Allegri using Milan's injury woes as motivation
Massimiliano Allegri wants AC Milan to use its injury troubles as "extra motivation", with key players missing for the team's next match against Fiorentina in Serie A.
Milan returns to Serie A action after the international break without Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Christian Pulisic, the latter confirmed to have suffered a hamstring injury.
Christopher Nkunku is also a doubt for the match, having returned from France duty with a toe injury.
Milan, which is third in the table, is looking to try to keep the pace with early pacesetters Napoli and Roma.
Allegri said he has enough depth in his squad for the meeting with Fiorentina, but noted his squad has to be clever about how it handle the issues.
"We'll be without Rabiot and Pulisic," Allegri said. "Estupinan won't be available, and Nkunku is to be assessed; he's got an issue with his big toe. If he manages to put his boot on, he'll be with us.
"We have enough players for the match, so there are absolutely no problems in that regard. Injuries are part of the season; we just have to be smart in handling the moment. It's an extra motivation.
"When there's a problem, we must find a solution; we can't keep talking about the problem, otherwise, we just lose time."
Fiorentina, meanwhile, is still searching for a first win in Serie A this term and is hovering around the relegation zone after an underwhelming start.
It has struggled for goals, netting just four times so far, which does not bode well against a strong Milan defence that has kept four clean sheets.
But Allegri is wary of the threat posed to Milan, claiming Fiorentina is a better side than the table suggests.
"We need to play with great concentration. Fiorentina have put in excellent performances, regardless of their results," he added.
"For us, it's an opportunity to take another small step forward and consolidate our position in the table.
"All matches are difficult to play and win. Fiorentina have excellent quality, with players who can score goals.
"They are also well-coached and well-organised. They don't deserve the points they have earned; they deserve more."
