AC Milan are navigating one of the most turbulent weeks of their season, with a damaging 3-0 loss at Bournemouth in Europa League compounded by a mounting injury crisis that has stripped Ruben Amorim of six first-team players. The defeat at Vitality Stadium was shaped by Mike Maignan's red card before the half-hour mark, a moment Amorim described as unacceptable from experienced players. Maignan has since publicly apologised, and the club has defended him against racist abuse directed at him on social media.

The fallout has been significant off the pitch too. Owner Gerry Cardinale travelled to Udine to be close to the squad and will remain in Italy through the derby against Inter on October 31, a signal that the result at Bournemouth was not taken lightly at the top of the club. Questions about Amorim's position have circulated, though no immediate change appears imminent.

The injury situation is severe. Adrien Rabiot, Diego Moreira and Mario Gila all sustained injuries in the 24 hours before Sunday's match at Udinese, joining Samuel Chukwueze, Matteo Gabbia and Alexis Saelemaekers on the sidelines. The one positive is Gonçalo Ramos, who has recovered and is expected to start. Milan sit fifth in Serie A with 15 points from seven games, and with the derby approaching fast, Sunday's trip to a struggling Udinese side carries real weight.