AC Milan are reportedly set to welcome back Mike Maignan and Ismael Bennacer to the squad for our clash with Atalanta next weekend.
The Rossoneri face Gian Piero Gasperini’s side next Sunday night off the back of three consecutive clean sheets and victories, and so confidence should be higher within the group, while the pressure has lifted somewhat from Stefano Pioli’s shoulders.
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Importantly though, the Milan boss is also now expected to get a huge boost on the injury front, with Sky Sport Italia, as reported by MilanNews, suggesting that both Maignan and Bennacer will be available for selection next weekend.
It’s noted that Maignan has now finally recovered from his troublesome calf injury and is in line to be available to face Atalanta, albeit he’s more likely to return to the Milan starting XI against Tottenham on March 8.
Bennacer is said to be on the verge of returning too having been left out as a precaution against Monza, and although Davide Calabria is still expected to be ruled out for another 15 days, that is a hugely important double injury boost with Maignan and Bennacer hopefully now set to return to the fold.
The influence of the pair is invaluable, and so whether it’s solidifying our defensive performances or adding more quality in midfield, it’s naturally going to make us stronger having them back in the side and we’ll hopefully continue to kick on in the coming weeks and months after putting our slump behind us.
Add to the mix Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back on the bench too while Fikayo Tomori returned this weekend from a setback of his own, Milan are certainly getting healthier and Pioli now has key options and depth at his disposal that give him more flexibility and versatility.
That said, we have consistently struggled with injuries and absences for some time now, and so while it’s positive having these individuals back, it’s vital that we now keep them healthy where possible too.
