AC Milan head into the post-international break period with a growing injury problem that threatens to reshape Ruben Amorim's plans for the weeks ahead. The most serious blow is the worsening ankle injury to Alexis Saelemaekers, who initially appeared set for a swift return after sustaining a distorsive trauma in training. New scans have revealed the situation is significantly more serious, ruling the Belgian out for several months and forcing Amorim to rethink his attacking options. Compounding the problem, first-choice left-back Pervis Estupinan picked up an injury on international duty with Ecuador, leaving the Portuguese manager short of options on the flank.

Those absences have accelerated Diego Moreira's path to a starting role. The Belgian winger, signed from Strasbourg in August for a fixed fee of 51 million euros rising to 67 million with bonuses, is now expected to start Sunday's Serie A away fixture against Sassuolo. Amorim is also reported to be considering a tactical switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation, a notable departure from the back-three system he has used throughout his managerial career.

Christian Pulisic, fresh from a strong display in the 3-0 win over Lecce before the break, is positioned as a key figure during what promises to be a demanding October, one that includes the Derby della Madonnina against Inter on the 31st. Sitting fifth in Serie A with 11 points from five games, Milan need consistency to stay in contention at the top of the table.