Fofana forced off in first half vs Genoa, but Milan optimistic ahead of Coppa Italia final | OneFootball

Youssouf Fofana was forced off less than 30 minutes into Milan’s Serie A clash against Genoa, but his injury is not expected to be serious and should not jeopardise his availability for next week’s Coppa Italia final against Bologna.

The France international, considered one of Sergio Conceiçao’s irreplaceable players, started the match at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris but went down shortly after the 20th minute.

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus runs with the ball under pressure from Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Injured Fofana replaced by Leao after knock at Genoa, but early signs reassure Milan

The extent of the issue was initially unclear, with Fofana appearing to feel discomfort following a clash of feet with Junior Messias.

Although he attempted to continue, it quickly became evident he was struggling to run properly, prompting Conceição to replace him with Rafael Leao, who was surprisingly left out of the starting XI.

UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Udinese and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on April 11, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

According to DAZN, Fofana did not appear overly concerned after leaving the pitch. He remained on the bench with the rest of the substitutes and was later seen applying an ice pack to the sole of his foot.