AC Milan face an anxious wait after both Pierre Kalulu and Zlatan Ibrahimovic picked up injury concerns while on international duty this week.
The Rossoneri face Napoli next Sunday in our Serie A encounter ahead of facing them again in the Champions League quarter-finals, as we look to put a negative run of results behind us and start to rebuild confidence and belief following the conclusion of the break.
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It certainly won’t be easy against the run-away league leaders, and Stefano Pioli will undoubtedly hope to have as close to a fully-fit squad available to have the best possible chance of returning from Naples with a positive outcome.
Unfortunately, there are doubts that will happen as La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Kalulu has returned from the France U21s camp after suffering a calf injury, and he will undergo further tests on Monday to determine the extent of the problem.
Naturally, it’s hoped that it isn’t anything too serious that could sideline him for a significant period, but the fact that he has returned to Milan would suggest that it is a concern at this stage.
Further, the report adds that Ibrahimovic was limited to personalised training this weekend while with Sweden, and although no specifics to the issue have been officially confirmed, it remains to be seen if the 41-year-old is involved for his country this week or if he isn’t risked and is assessed upon his return to Italy.
It’s far from ideal to have any of our senior players missing, especially for such a big game, and coupled with our pivotal upcoming fixture schedule that will ultimately determine our season, it’s hoped that this duo are available next weekend and we avoid any further setbacks in the coming weeks.
Milan currently sit fourth in the Serie A standings, but with Roma, Atalanta and Juventus all in the hunt for Champions League qualification, it’s imperative that we get back on track and put together a positive run of form to cement our spot in the top four as soon as possible.
