AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli will be fit and available to face Celtic, the Daily Record reports.
Romagnoli has been out since July after picking up a calf injury in a 2-1 win in Sassuolo. Meaning that the centre-back hasn’t played a fixture in three months.
But the Record states that the Milan leader will be back in training on Thursday, giving him a week to prepare for the Europa League trip to Celtic Park.
The Rossoneri also have a massive Milan derby against Inter to take into consideration next Saturday. However, considering they have yet to concede a goal domestically with the likes of Simon Kjaer and Matteo Gabbia at the back, Romagnoli would be unlikely to be thrown into that one.
Milan have conceded four goals in their three European matches so far this season, shipping two goals each to Bodo/Glimt and Rio Ave respectively.
Romagnoli a huge influence, but fitness concerns will remain
Regardless of the fact he’s back in training next week of course, you can’t hide from the fact that Romagnoli’s been out for a prolonged period of time.
If Neil Lennon, for example, was bringing back one of his players who had been out for that period, he certainly wouldn’t be throwing him into Europa League action and in one of our biggest games of the season. It will be interesting to see if Stefano Pioli, Milan’s boss, is of the same mindset.
Perhaps it would suit the Hoops well if the AC captain did play of course. His lack of match-sharpness is surely something the likes of Albian Ajeti or Odsonne Edouard could do with looking to exploit.
But that’s a decision for Pioli. It’ll be massive for Milan to have their on-field leader back and around the place once again, and being rested for the Inter Milan match could signal a desire to feature him for a return at Celtic Park.
Interestingly, Milan’s technical director Paolo Maldini stated that it was their priority over the summer to sign a central defender (Sky Sport). Yet even after they failed to do so, their numbers at the back are getting stonger.
So let’s wait and see what Pioli decides to do with Romagnoli when they face their bitter rivals next weekend.
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