Maignan forced off during Slavia Praha win but optimism filters – Pioli’s words

Mike Maignan was replaced during the first half of AC Milan’s win over Slavia Praha tonight, drawing fresh fears that he could be set for another spell on the sidelines.

What happened regarding Maignan during tonight’s win was a bit of a farce in truth, and it all stemmed from when he received the ball inside his own box and was being closed down by Vlcek.

The Frenchman just about got rid of it, putting it out for a corner, though he was caught late after playing the ball and got a free-kick.

After playing on for a couple of minutes it looked like Maignan could not continue, so Marco Sportiello began to warm up, but then he played on. He went down again, with the medical staff strapping up his knee, then finally he was forced off.

Stefano Pioli gave an update on Maignan’s condition in his post-match press conference, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

“Mike felt a pain in his knee, it doesn’t seem like anything to worry about. We’ll see, but I feel like saying that it won’t be a long-term thing.”

Sportitalia‘s Francesco Letizia managed to speak to Maignan as he left the stadium to head for the bus, and he replied ‘all good’ when asked how his knee is.

Moreover, what we have learned is that he has some heavy bruising and will have some checks tomorrow, but has avoided a sprain or any more damage.