Santiago Gimenez faces potential make-or-break test at AC Milan against Udinese

The Mexican striker has endured a difficult start to the season, going goalless in his first four appearances across all competitions. It is a worrying dip in form after his arrival from Feyenoord midway through last season, when he scored five goals and provided two assists in 14 Serie A outings.

Reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport and Calciomercato.com suggest that coach Massimiliano Allegri will again trust Gimenez to lead the line, likely alongside Christian Pulisic.

But with Rafael Leao nearing a return and summer signing Christopher Nkunku pushing for minutes, the 24-year-old is under growing pressure.

Allegri has admitted Leao is close to fitness and could be available for next weekend's clash with Napoli. "Rafa is working very hard and we hope to have him back soon. His quality and presence are fundamental for us," the Milan coach has said.

Nkunku, who joined from RB Leipzig in a forty-three million euro move, has also been training at full intensity and is seen as another option to freshen up Milan's attack.

Allegri is reshaping his system, favouring a 3-5-2 in which both Leao and Pulisic are expected to play more centrally, which could leave Gimenez further down the pecking order.

If Gimenez fails to deliver against Udinese, he risks slipping to third or even fourth-choice striker. For a player once tipped as Milan's long-term solution in attack, tonight's test may prove decisive for his immediate future at the San Siro.