Rabiot Eyes Last-Minute Winner in Milan Derby Return

Adrien Rabiot Set for Milan Derby Return After Injury Layoff

Adrien Rabiot headlines AC Milan’s preparations as he gears up to make his highly anticipated return from injury in Sunday’s fierce Milan derby against Inter. The French midfielder, who has been out for nearly a month with a calf muscle tear sustained on international duty, is back in full training and ready to bolster Milan’s midfield at a pivotal moment in the Serie A season.

Rabiot’s Comeback Vital for AC Milan’s Midfield Balance

Since joining from Marseille on deadline day, Rabiot has quickly become a linchpin in the Rossoneri midfield. His absence was keenly felt, with Milan only managing two wins and three draws in their last five Serie A outings. Rabiot’s blend of technical prowess, tactical awareness, and defensive solidity has been critical in linking defense and attack, providing the stability Milan relied on during high-pressure fixtures.

Adrien Rabiot Ready to Embrace Derby Atmosphere

Speaking ahead of the derby, Rabiot expressed his excitement and determination: “I’m feeling great physically and mentally. No athlete enjoys being sidelined, and I’ve worked hard to return at my best. The derby atmosphere is unique, and hearing from teammates like Mike Maignan about its significance has truly pumped me up. A last-minute winner would be amazing—for the fans, the club, and myself.”

Rabiot emphasized the importance of patience in his recovery, acknowledging that rushing back from a calf injury could have led to further setbacks. “With calves, you have to be cautious. I wanted to make sure I was 100 percent before coming back for such a decisive match.”

Milan Derby: More Than Just Three Points

Sunday’s clash against Inter is more than a battle for city supremacy—it’s a crucial fixture in the race for the Scudetto. Both teams enter with aspirations of claiming the Serie A title. For Milan, Rabiot’s return could be the catalyst needed to regain consistency and challenge at the top of the table.

Rabiot himself remains grounded about Milan’s Scudetto chances: “We have many matches ahead, with key fixtures between November and December, including the Super Cup. By February, we’ll have a better sense of our ambitions. The focus now is to stay as close as possible to first place and give everything for the team.”

Adrien Rabiot’s Role in Milan’s Serie A Ambitions

Rabiot’s presence offers Milan not only composure on the ball and precise passing but also an engine capable of dictating the tempo. His ability to switch play and break up opposition attacks was sorely missed during his absence, especially in games where Milan struggled to retain possession and create chances.

With the French international back, manager Stefano Pioli will have more tactical flexibility and options, whether deploying Rabiot as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box enforcer. His experience in high-stakes matches, including those with Juventus and the French national team, will be invaluable as Milan navigate a packed schedule across domestic and European competitions.

All Eyes on the Derby: Rabiot’s Opportunity

The Milan derby presents the ideal stage for Rabiot to showcase his qualities. His ability to dictate play under pressure, combined with his knack for stepping up in big moments, could prove decisive. Rabiot himself dreams of delivering a last-minute winner, a moment that would etch his name into derby folklore and re-energize Milan’s title charge.

For supporters and neutrals alike, the prospect of Rabiot returning at full strength adds another layer of intrigue to one of Italy’s most passionate rivalries. His eagerness to contribute and make up for lost time is palpable, and Milan fans will be hoping his comeback sparks a turning point in their campaign.

Opinion: Rabiot’s Return Could Be a Turning Point

Having Adrien Rabiot back in full fitness is a massive boost for AC Milan at a crucial juncture. His leadership, composure, and tactical intelligence elevate the team’s midfield and bring much-needed balance. If Rabiot can hit the ground running against Inter, Milan’s Scudetto ambitions will receive a timely lift. His potential impact in both the derby and the weeks ahead could be the difference-maker in what promises to be a tightly contested Serie A title race.

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