Gimenez ruled out of Milan’s Udinese clash, Conceiçao confirms | OneFootball

Santiago Gimenez won’t recover in time for Milan’s away trip to Udinese on Friday after picking up an injury during his side’s last Serie A outing against Fiorentina.

The Mexican striker came on in the second half to replace Tammy Abraham last Sunday, as the Rossoneri attempted to mount a comeback after falling two goals behind the Viola. However, his match lasted only 25 minutes due to breathing difficulties following a fall caused by a collision with goalkeeper David De Gea.

While initial medical tests ruled out major issues such as lesions or fractures, coach Sergio Conceiçao has confirmed that the former Feyenoord forward will miss Milan’s clash at the BluEnergy Stadium.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between AC Milan and Feyenoord at San Siro Stadium on February 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Gimenez’s absence for Milan confirmed by Conceiçao ahead of Udinese match

“I can say this: Santi won’t be there tomorrow evening”, Conceicao replied when asked about Gimenez’s fitness at a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Gimenez has started in six of his nine Serie A appearances since joining Milan from Feyenoord last January, but his last league goal dates back to early February, as the striker is currently on an eight-match goalless streak after a promising start.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Verona at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 15, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Mexico international won’t be the only significant absentee for Milan against Udinese, as the Rossoneri have also recently lost Kyle Walker to an elbow fracture, which required the Manchester City loanee to undergo surgery.