“I have tried to forget all my physical problems. This is a new season, I am relaxed, happy, and I want to play as much as possible and win titles with Milan.”

Those were the encouraging words of Alexandre Pato back in early August, shortly before ‘The Duck’ picked up yet another injury that curtailed his start to the season. In what was widely billed as his year, Pato has started the campaign where he regularly finds himself: on the sidelines, looking on. With patience and faith forever dwindling in some quarters, can the Brazilian still be a focal point for Milan this season?

There is no denying the immense talent the 23-year-old possesses, capable of moments of brilliance that exceed superlative. Lightning quick pace coupled with deadly precision in front of goal should make the former Internacional front-man one of the most feared strikers in football, yet his constant injury setbacks prevent him from reaching the top level. Despite the countless obstacles, the hope remains the Brazilian will come good and finally consistently deliver, replicating the form he displayed in his opening years at the club where he reached fifty goals in just over 100 appearances. However, his presence has been in steady decline - from 36 appearances in 2008-09, Pato went from mid-20s to just 11 last season.

The reasons for his problems are well documented. Much has changed since he joined the club as a teenager. Having added upper-body muscle mass to natural growth to cope with the rigours of Italian football, his body, namely his legs, have failed to adapt in sync, leading to numerous thigh and hamstring strains. Others point to over-intense training regimes, while the playing surface at San Siro has faced fierce criticism for some time. All in all, one thing remains. From the frustration of his comeback against Barcelona last season lasting just minutes to the heartbreak of his latest problem, Pato is still just 23, has already acquired valuable experience and goals, and has his best years ahead.

Despite the injury count gradually increasing, there is still a sense of positive desperation for him to succeed. Critics suggested at the time that his partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not work; with the Swede departing for PSG, the stage is still set and waiting. While the club have brought in reinforcements in the shape of Giampaolo Pazzini and Bojan, it is Pato who still represents the archetypal ‘world-class’ centre-forward that Milan possess in their ranks, an observation that many casual Serie A viewers still believe. The question is: will he reach that level? Reports suggest Pato may return for the first game back after the international break against Atalanta, so here’s to hoping we are lauding his goal-scoring achievements in May.

It’s been a point of discussion for many of you in the comments section of previous blogs, so can Pato still deliver or should he help season ticket sales and buy a seat in the San Siro stands? Should Milan keep faith in him?

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