Mike Maignan Injury Blow Confirmed as AC Milan Boss Rules Star Goalkeeper Out of Udinese Clash
AC Milan have been dealt a significant blow with Mike Maignan set to miss their next match after sustaining another calf injury

Mike Maignan Injury Blow Confirmed as AC Milan Boss Rules Star Goalkeeper Out of Udinese Clash

AC Milan’s preparations for the weekend have been rocked by a fresh Mike Maignan injury blow, with head coach Massimiliano Allegri confirming that the French goalkeeper will not feature against Udinese. The 29-year-old was forced off during Milan’s gritty 1-0 victory over Bologna, sparking fresh concern over a calf issue that has plagued him throughout his time in Serie A.

Maignan’s absence will once again put Milan’s depth under the microscope, with veteran Pietro Terracciano now set to step into the spotlight. For Allegri and the Rossoneri faithful, it’s an all-too-familiar story — and one that raises bigger questions about the club’s decision to block a summer transfer that might have sent the Frenchman to Chelsea.

Maignan Ruled Out of Udinese Match with “Dangerous” Calf Problem

Maignan’s latest setback came midway through the second half against Bologna. After signalling to the bench, he was substituted in the 56th minute and was later spotted leaving San Siro on crutches — not the sight Milan fans wanted ahead of a busy September schedule.

Speaking to reporters post-match, Allegri was cautious in his assessment:

“I don’t think Mike will be in Udine because his calf is dangerous,” the Milan boss said. “The important thing is to work as a team like tonight. Even in difficult situations, it’s important to have the right spirit — one small step at a time.”

The injury is to the same right calf that caused Maignan to miss a large chunk of the 2022-23 season, when complications sidelined him for 31 matches between September and February. The French international’s repeated struggles with muscle injuries have become a worrying trend, undermining Milan’s ability to maintain consistency at the back.

Maignan’s Concerning Injury Record

Since joining Milan from Lille in 2021, Maignan has missed a staggering 54 matches through various injuries. For a player who was signed to be a cornerstone of the team’s project — and who was instrumental in their 2021-22 Scudetto win — his repeated absences have been a major headache for the club.

When Maignan is fit, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, combining commanding presence, excellent shot-stopping, and distribution that allows Milan to build from the back. But his ongoing calf problems are threatening to overshadow his brilliance. The contrast with other top Serie A goalkeepers — many of whom have enjoyed consistent availability — is stark.

Sunday’s win over Bologna was supposed to be a feel-good moment, with Luka Modric scoring his first goal in Milan colors at the age of 40. Instead, the post-match mood was dampened by not just Maignan’s injury, but also a hip flexor strain suffered by defender Strahinja Pavlovic, giving Allegri a second fitness concern ahead of the Udinese trip.

Should Milan Have Accepted Chelsea’s Offer?

AC Milan v Bologna FC 1909 - Serie A Maignan

AC Milan v Bologna FC 1909 – Serie A Maignan

Maignan’s latest injury inevitably reopens the debate about Milan’s transfer strategy. Chelsea were reportedly very close to signing the Frenchman during the summer window, with negotiations reaching an advanced stage before Allegri’s arrival.

The new head coach is understood to have vetoed the sale, insisting that Maignan remain a central figure in his plans. At the time, the decision was widely praised by fans, who saw it as a statement of ambition from the club. But with Maignan once again sidelined, there will be murmurs that Milan may have missed the opportunity to cash in on a player whose reliability is increasingly in question.

Terracciano Steps Up in Goal

For now, the focus shifts to 35-year-old Pietro Terracciano, who joined Milan over the summer and made his debut off the bench against Bologna. The veteran shot-stopper is now expected to start in Udine and could also feature in the upcoming Coppa Italia clash against Lecce.

Terracciano’s experience will be crucial in steadying the ship. Unlike last season, Milan do not have European football to contend with, which should help ease the pressure on the squad while Maignan recovers. Still, Allegri will be hoping his No. 1 returns quickly, as the Rossoneri cannot afford to let early-season momentum slip.

What Next for Milan and Maignan?

FC Internazionale v AC Milan: Semi Final - Coppa Italia Maignan

FC Internazionale v AC Milan: Semi Final – Coppa Italia Maignan

The big question now is how Milan manage Maignan going forward. Allegri’s cautious tone suggests the club will not rush him back, especially given the recurring nature of the problem. A full medical assessment in the coming days will determine the length of his absence, but with a lighter domestic schedule this season, there may be an opportunity to give Maignan an extended recovery period without jeopardizing too many results.

For Maignan, this is a crucial period in his career. At 29, he should be entering his peak years, yet his body continues to betray him at key moments. If Milan want to challenge for silverware and return to the Champions League next season, they need their first-choice goalkeeper available — and consistently so.

A Familiar Challenge for Allegri

This is not the first time Allegri has had to juggle injuries to key players while keeping a title challenge on track. During his time at Juventus, he became known for navigating injury crises with tactical pragmatism and calm decision-making. Milan will now look to him to do the same, starting with the trip to Udine.

For the fans, though, the focus remains firmly on Maignan’s recovery. When fit, he is a game-changer — a player who can win matches almost single-handedly. But until he can stay healthy for a sustained period, the Rossoneri will continue to live with a degree of uncertainty between the posts.

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