AC Milan duo Mike Maignan and Ruben Loftus-Cheek both suffered injury concerns in our goalless draw with Newcastle Utd, and updates have emerged.
Both players were forced off in the second half on Tuesday night, with Loftus-Cheek appearing to clutch his hamstring and thigh area before being replaced, while Maignan signalled to the bench he couldn’t continue as he sat alone in his box.
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In turn, there was obvious concern for the duo that they may well have suffered injury blows that could rule them out for a significant period, and there was mixed news both from Stefano Pioli and the media following the conclusion of the encounter.
“Maignan heard a little something, he says it was little and I trust him,” Pioli told the media, as per MilanNews. “Loftus-Cheek was just fatigue, cramp. It’s clear that when you play a lot, you play too much and the players who have played for the national team raise the risk of injuries.”
Meanwhile, MilanNews have also reported that Loftus-Cheek’s withdrawal from the game was due to cramp, and so that comes as a relief as it shouldn’t result in a lengthy absence. The expectation though is that he won’t be risked against Verona this weekend.
Conversely, the report adds that Maignan suffered a ‘strain to his left flexor’, and so it remains to be seen how long the French international will now be sidelined for.
It’s a worrying blow given how influential he is for us, but the only positive is that we have a more capable replacement in Marco Sportiello to deputise this season, as he did well in difficult circumstances late on to preserve our clean sheet.
Pioli will likely face a decision in midfield, but with Yunus Musah impressing off the bench having replaced Loftus-Cheek, it’s hoped that he now gets an opportunity to have a more prominent role as he made a positive contribution and looks ready for increased minutes.
