He is training in Dubai, together with Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Leonardo Spinazzola is pushing on the accelerator, to try to make himself available to José Mourinho as soon as possible. But when will it be possible to really see the Giallorossi fullback on the field? The forecasts speak of mid-January, perhaps even the 20th, due to the second degree injury to the left rectus femoral, an annoying and sneaky injury, much more difficult to manage and treat than almost all other muscle problems.

In Portugal he should continue to work separately, and then really push in early January. On balance, the fullback could also miss the first 3-4 matches of the season’s second half, which then are Bologna on 4, Milan on 8 and the Coppa Italia with Genoa on 12, returning perhaps for the home game against Fiorentina on 15.

Without Spinazzola and with Karsdorp practically out of the way, it is clear that in the restart of January there may be a big problem to solve on the outside. Because it means that Mourinho will have to face the first games with only Zalewski, Vina and Celik, to which El Shaarawy can be added if necessary.

Unless, of course, in the meantime, Tiago Pinto can close an incoming deal, maybe the one for the Odriozola loan.