Injury blows for AC Milan would do little for Celtic’s development

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It’s fair to say that AC Milan have their fair share of injury concerns for next Thursday’s Europa League clash at Celtic Park.

Indeed, there are doubts over the likes of captain Alessio Romagnoli, Brazilian Leo Duarte, and super-striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s availability for the mammoth group stage opener in Glasgow.

Ibrahimovic is still to return from being infected with Covid-19, along with senior centre-back Leo Duarte. Romagnoli meanwhile hasn’t played in several months and is reportedly due back in training on Thursday – a week before the big game (Daily Record).

I’ve always been one to get sucked into the idea that this represents a boost for Celtic. After all, the basic thought process behind the injuries is that Milan would be weakened and that therefore gives us a better chance of a result.

But you could say I’ve had a bit of a rethink. The more you think about players of that calibre missing the game at Parkhead, the sadder the occasion becomes.

Let’s face it, how special does it feel when you see some of the best players in Europe bemused and incapable of doing anything to stop Celtic from toppling them? Watching the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Kaka walk off the Parkhead turf having failed to take anything just adds to the occasion.

Putting Ibrahimovic to the sword would be beautiful

Seeing Super Swede Ibra do the same would be absolutely incredible, and a massive shot in the arm to our much-maligned defence’s morale.

Of course, it can go the other way. Ibrahimovic could bag a brace whilst Romagnoli totally marshals the likes of Odsonne Edouard/Albian Ajeti out of the game. That’s fine. That’s what you’re in Europe for – to test yourself against the best players in the continent.

It does very little for our squad’s development if we’re not testing ourselves against the best players. A striker as decorated as Ibrahimovic falls into that “best players” category. It’s also worth noting that the likes of Shane Duffy and Kris Ajer would likely be gutted if a player like him was to miss the game.

There’s absolutely little point in qualifying for the Europa League if we’re all going to start getting excited at clubs missing their best players. It adds a slight hollowness to any success. There’s always that “but he wasn’t playing” element even if you do get the result you’re after.

Look at how special beating Lazio was last season on both occasions. They had the likes of Immobile, Milinkovic-Savic, Correa, and Luis Alberto all featuring against us. The fact they were at full strength made both matches so memorable. Had some of those players missed out then you can’t say the wins would’ve had the same vibe. Leaving top-class opposition with no excuses is what you’re after.

That’s why we should all want the likes of Ibrahimovic, Duarte, and Romagnoli to be fit and available next week. We want Milan at full strength – it’ll make our success on the night all the more sweeter.

In other news, a winger linked with Celtic over the summer is reportedly set to be released next year.