But when it comes to Fullkrug, we’re back to square one: can a player who isn’t playing, who isn’t a first-team regular, still be considered for his national team? It seems that, in the end, the answer is yes, even though the German striker isn’t exactly making his mark at AC Milan.
Having arrived and been officially announced on 2 January in a deal with West Ham involving a free loan with an option to buy set at €5 million, Fullkrug, despite playing every available match since January (14 out of 14, albeit only two as a starter against Fiorentina and Torino), has scored just one goal (the winner in the 1-0 victory over Lecce at San Siro).
So far, this has been the German centre-forward’s only highlight; he is likely to leave Milan at the end of the season, as his contract will not be bought out, paving the way for a new attacking overhaul in Allegri’s squad.