AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has provided the latest team news ahead of our Serie A encounter against Juventus on Sunday night.
The Rossoneri know a win would move us back to the top of the table as we get back to action following the international break, but it promises to be a difficult assignment against Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
READ MORE: How Milan could line up vs Juventus: Key double absence, multiple changes
Naturally, Pioli would have hoped for positive news on the injury front ahead of the game by having a fully-fit squad at his disposal, and although he confirmed a double boost in his pre-match press conference, he also conceded that there will be key absentees too.
Both Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez will miss out due to suspension, while Marco Sportiello is ruled out due to injury along with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has recovered from his injury but isn’t ready to feature just yet, as per Antonio Vitiello.
The 27-year-old has made a positive impression since his summer arrival, and while he’s expected back for our upcoming games, we’ll certainly miss his physicality and athleticism in midfield as we look to impose ourselves and gain control of proceedings.
Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze will also sit this game out due to injury, but there was better news as both Rade Krunic and Pierre Kalulu are expected to be named in the squad for this weekend’s meeting, as per Vitiello.
Neither will likely be fit enough or match sharp to feature from the start given the length of their respective absences, but it bolsters our bench, and ahead of a busy fixture schedule, it will give Pioli more options to rotate and keep everyone fresh.
It will be a big night for Antonio Mirante too as he steps in between the posts, and so although there’s mixed news in terms of team news, it’s hoped that we have enough quality and depth to produce a strong performance and continue our positive start to the campaign.
