AC Milan Injury Update: Gila Rested for Perth Derby as Pulisic and Gimenez Target Serie A Opener

As AC Milan prepares for a historic pre-season Derby della Madonnina against Inter Milan in Perth, Australia, newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim is navigating a delicate balancing act of squad fitness. The Rossoneri are eager to build momentum ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, but early physical setbacks have forced the coaching staff to prioritize long-term health over immediate exhibition results.[1][3]

The most pressing concern on the Australian tour surrounds new signing Mario Gila. The Spanish central defender, who arrived from Lazio this summer in a deal worth approximately €30 million, was forced off the pitch during Milan's first pre-season friendly against Celtic in Glasgow on July 25.[1][2]

Initial fears of a severe muscular tear were quickly alleviated by medical scans, which confirmed that Gila had only suffered a minor strain to his right rectus femoris. The diagnosis was a massive relief for the club, as a full tear would have jeopardized the opening months of his debut season at the San Siro.[2][6]

Despite the positive prognosis, Gila will not feature in Wednesday's derby at Optus Stadium. Although he traveled with the squad to Perth, the 25-year-old has been restricted to personalized, individual training sessions. Amorim and the medical team are taking a staunchly conservative approach, refusing to rush his integration into full team drills until the muscle is completely healed.[1][3][5]

Back in Italy, Milanello is hosting a dedicated rehabilitation camp for two of the club's premier attacking talents. United States international Christian Pulisic is working his way back from a microfracture in his right fibula, accompanied by bone edema, which he sustained during the USMNT's World Cup knockout loss to Belgium.[2][5]

Joining Pulisic in the treatment room is Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez. The forward suffered a sprained ankle during Mexico's World Cup exit against England, cutting short a tournament where he had boldly predicted his nation would lift the trophy.[2][5]

Both Pulisic and Gimenez are targeting a return for Milan's first competitive fixture of the season. The medical staff will continuously assess their progress over the next three weeks, hoping to clear them for the Serie A opener against Torino on August 23.[1][2]

While the absences of Gila, Pulisic, and Gimenez present early hurdles, Amorim has received a significant fitness boost elsewhere in the squad. Christopher Nkunku has fully recovered from a minor knock that kept him out of the Celtic friendly and is expected to start against Inter.[3][4]

Furthermore, the Rossoneri attack has been bolstered by the arrival of Rafael Leao and new €74 million signing Goncalo Ramos. Both forwards joined the group earlier this week and reported in excellent physical condition, giving Amorim the green light to deploy them in Perth.[4][6]

With a blend of returning stars and cautious rehabilitation for key absentees, Milan's pre-season strategy is coming into focus. The Perth derby will serve as a crucial tactical laboratory for Amorim, allowing him to test his system's resilience while ensuring his primary weapons are primed for the grueling Serie A marathon ahead.[3][6]