Simon Kjaer is still recovering from the injury which has kept him on the sidelines in the last eight games. In fact, the Dane might not make it back for the game against Newcastle, extending the injury crisis at the back.
Milan have four centre-backs on the injury list and Theo Hernandez has played as a centre-back in the last two games. Against Newcastle, many were hoping for the return of but it looks like the Frenchman will have to play in the centre again.
While Rafael Leao has returned to training, which you can read more about here, the situation isn’t the same for Kjaer. According to MilanNews, the Dane continued his personal program today and while there is still time left, he remains in ‘strong doubt’ for the trip to Newcastle.
Milan also have Davide Bartesaghi in the Champions League squad, who mainly is a left-back but also played in the centre during the pre-season. Given his young age, and the importance of the game, Pioli will most likely continue with Hernandez in the centre.
New tactical solutions will have to be implemented as Milan struggled big time defensively against Atalanta on Saturday evening. Against the English side, the Rossoneri will need to go back to basics, making everything as easy as possible.
By now Simic should have had two games of first team experience. But now we’re going to be either playing him for the first time against Newcastle, when Pioli belatedly realized his folly, or going with the same defense that got torched by Atalanta with two players out of position. Oh well.
Literally we played with one defender against Atlanta. Florenzi was often seen in the middle of the pitch.. the same can be said about the other two with their bursting runs forward.. There is a significant drop in energy of this players.
Simic Cant Player in cl.
Cause of Fifa Regulation!