Mike Maignan during his time at Ligue 1 club, Lille.
According to Calciomercato (h/t Football.London), AC Milan will be without their first-choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan in both the games against Chelsea next month in the Champions League.
The Blues play the Italian champions in back-to-back group games in successive midweeks just after the international break. It is revealed that French international Maignan has picked up a calf injury while playing for his country against Austria in the UEFA Nations League.
The problem is more serious than first expected. It could keep the shot-stopper out for a month. The 27-year-old would be a big miss because he has been a key cog in the Milan side in the past year or so. Experienced goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu will don the gloves for the games Maignan is absent.
This injury is just an addition to a list of key injuries in the Milan squad. Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi is a doubt for the return game against Chelsea game after being ruled out of the first one, while Ante Rebic is still not match fit.
Sandro Tonali was withdrawn from the Italy national team squad due to a knock. He will be touch-and-go for the Italian side’s visit to Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a long-term absentee, while Theo Hernandez was absent from the international squad as he recovers from a muscle injury. He is a doubt as well.
By way of good news, former Chelsea players Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud are passed fit to face their past employers. The former was left out of the England squad to face Germany in the Nations League.
He would have a point to prove playing against an English side at the highest stage. And there is always motivation in playing against your former team.
Chelsea are currently bottom of their Champions League table with one point from two games. These two games against Milan are important, to say the least. The home game is probably a must-win one, while the away game in the following week is a must-not-lose one.
Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…
Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…
In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…
Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…
Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…