Benjamin Pavard has avoided the worst-case scenarios relative to his knee injury but will have to miss significant time because of it. The Frenchman dislocated his patella in the first half of the Atalanta game. The tests ruled out damage to the ligaments or menisci, SportMediaset informs.

The defender won’t need surgery to address the problem. But he’ll have to wear a cast for about a month and then ramp up in training. He’s estimated to return in mid-January.

If the timetable were confirmed, Pavard would be available for the Supercoppa’s final four. Simone Inzaghi will turn to Matteo Darmian, who is generally excellent in relief. That leaves them one man short on the flank, but Juan Cuadrado should be back soon. Seldomly utilized youngster Yann Aurel Bisseck will resurface and get chances in easier fixtures.

Considering his good performances and versatility, the Nerazzurri have already decided to extend the contract of the Italian veteran by picking up their option to keep him until 2025, TuttoSport informs.

Our Take on Pavard

He has been excellent, but Darmian is no slouch, to the point that going with him as a full-time starter wasn’t a crazy proposition last summer. They’ll need Bisseck to show he belongs to have to have any sort of depth, though.

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