Tommaso Pobega was forced off the pitch in the first half of Milan’s clash with Monza, allowing teenager Jan-Carlo Simic to make his debut for the club.
The 24-year-old Italian midfielder suffered a muscle issue in the 23rd minute of the Rossoneri’s clash with their local rivals on Sunday afternoon, adding yet another player to the club’s infirmary. It was a painful moment for Pobega, who had been handed just his third league start this term.
Milan have been plagued by various muscle injuries this season, leading some to blame the club’s medical department and coaching work at Milanello. Marco Sportiello, Malick Thiaw, Pierre Kalulu and Marco Pellegrino are all also sidelined with injuries.
Pioli replaced Pobega with the 18-year-old Simic, giving the Serbian centre back his debut for Milan. He’s been left on the bench in Serie A matches with Udinese, Fiorentina, Frosinone and Atalanta this season.
The teenager had an immediate impact in proceedings, scoring his first goal for the club in the 40th minute after a nice assist from Rafael Leao.
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