Stefano Pioli will have to shuffle AC Milan’s defensive line for Thursday’s game against Roma in the Europa League due to a suspension, and some news on Malick Thiaw has emerged.
It seems as though Milan are recovering some defensive solidity despite the absences that they have had in recent weeks, given that Thiaw and Pierre Kalulu missed the last game due to injury while Simon Kjaer has just overcome a minor muscle problem.
The Frenchman went down on 17 March against Verona, damaging the collateral ligament of his knee meaning he faces a long absence and his return is expected in May.
The German central defender meanwhile started in the victory against Fiorentina in the last round of the league but missed the win over Lecce due to inflammation from plantar fasciitis and his recovery time was uncertain.
Today’s edition of Corriere della Sera (via Radio Rossonera) has provided some more information on Thiaw’s injury, as they state that there is optimism about the defender’s recovery ahead of Thursday’s match against Roma.
It is the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals and Fikayo Tomori will not be available due to suspension, so the return of the former Schalke man would be a big boost.
Thiaw’s form will be the biggest question mark heading into this tie.
We’ve seen before that he can be physically ready but mentally unprepared for games.
Helps to have Gabbia next to you but our standout defender has been Tomori.
I am more concerned about which team he plays for if he will start the game on Thursday.
Is he going to play for us or for Roma?
Kjaer and Gabbia
So far, Thiaw is Zapata 2.0. Can be great, but can also make very costly mistakes.
I saw some of it at Schalke, but I blamed his young age and the quality of the rest of the team. This season showed he still is not ready yet. I’d give him one more season to sort things out.