AC Milan will continue to step up pre-season preparations this week with Simon Kjaer and Divock Origi set to hand Stefano Pioli a double boost.
The Rossoneri saw the first group of players return to report for pre-season training on Monday, as we begin preparations for the defence of our Serie A title as well as trying to make a bigger impression in Europe.
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In order to compete on multiple fronts and build on the success we had last season, Pioli will hope to have a fully-fit squad at his disposal for the start of the campaign as well as seeing further reinforcements arrive in the coming weeks.
Kjaer, Origi injury updates as Milan prepare for pre-season
As per MilanNews, Pioli did receive some good news on Monday as long-term absentee Kjaer was a full participant in training to start the week having recovered from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for the majority of last season.
The Danish stalwart was a key figure for us prior to that setback, and his experience, leadership and defensive solidity will no doubt be vital this year as he looks to try and now displace the likes of Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu in the starting line-up.
His return though also opens up the possibility of Pioli going with a back-three if he feels that is the best approach against certain opposition, and so it’s important boost heading into the season.
Meanwhile, MilanNews also report that Origi will be at Milanello on Tuesday following his summer move, and Pioli will no doubt be delighted to welcome his new signing and begin the process of integrating him into his plans for the upcoming season.
That said, it’s added that the Belgian forward will begin with personalised work as he is still recovering from an injury that he sustained in May, but it isn’t expected to sideline him for too long as he’ll be itching to start full training with his new teammates as soon as possible.
Origi could prove to be a crucial new signing for Milan given he offers something different in the final third to the options we currently have, but we must ensure that he gets fully fit and stays healthy to have the most effective impact possible over the course of a gruelling campaign.