AC Milan defender Matteo Gabbia has logged just 17 minutes of playing time across two substitute appearances this season, dropping from a first-team regular to the sidelines due to a persistent summer ankle injury, tactical shifts under manager Rúben Amorim, and the emergence of teammate De Winter.
Ankle Injury Truncates Preseason and Derails Early Match Fitness
Matteo Gabbia’s sudden absence from the pitch stems initially from a nagging ankle inflammation that disrupted his summer conditioning. The injury did not require crutches, but it prevented the center-back from completing normal training sessions for several weeks. According to club reporting, the medical issue has since resolved, yet lingering athletic setbacks kept the club’s vice-captain out of the squad against Juventus while forcing him to spend three consecutive matches on the bench.
The defender’s limited contributions this year stand in stark contrast to his workload last season. The defender from Villarreal finished the previous campaign as Milan’s seventh-highest player in total minutes, logging 29 starts across 31 total appearances after playing 35 matches the year prior. This autumn, however, his total playing time consists of 14 minutes against Torino and 3 minutes against Venezia.
Tactical Adjustments and the Rise of De Winter
On-field tactics under Rúben Amorim have further complicated Gabbia’s path back to the starting lineup. The manager has deployed De Winter as the central anchor of the defense. While former manager Massimiliano Allegri utilized the Belgian defender primarily on the right side of the defense, Amorim views De Winter as a more dynamic central pivot. Scouting assessments indicate De Winter provides greater speed in movements, whereas Gabbia—despite possessing superior feet—is viewed as comparatively heavier in his movement.
Did you know? Central defenders typically experience fewer squad rotations than players in other positions because backline stability relies heavily on repetitive tactical synchronization and defensive partnerships.
Upcoming Fixture Congestion Offers Opportunity for Rotation
The packed late-October fixture list provides a necessary window for Matteo Gabbia to reclaim minutes in the rotation. Dense schedules force coaching staffs to manage player loads carefully, opening doors for reliable squad members. Beyond tactical depth, Gabbia remains one of the few dressing-room constants who experienced the sweeping changes at Milan firsthand, giving him added value as the club handles a turbulent competitive period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Matteo Gabbia playing less this season for AC Milan?
Gabbia missed crucial conditioning time due to a stubborn summer ankle inflammation and has faced increased competition from De Winter under manager Rúben Amorim.
How many minutes has Matteo Gabbia played this season?
He has played 17 total minutes across two substitute appearances: 14 minutes against Torino and 3 minutes against Venezia.
What position does De Winter play under Rúben Amorim?
Amorim utilizes De Winter as the central anchor, shifting him from his previous role on the right side of the backline.
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