AC Milan have been dealt a major injury blow with first-choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan set to miss out on the clash with Tottenham in the Champions League round of 16.
The France international has been out since suffering a calf injury in Les Bleus’ Nations League victory over Austria on September 22. He was replaced at halftime by Alphonse Areola.
Maignan was later ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar, and he has missed Milan’s last 20 games in all competitions while recovering.
There was initially hope that Maignan’s injury would heal in time for him to return against Tottenham, who visit San Siro for the first leg of their last-16 tie next Tuesday.
However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 27-year-old will not be ready to face Antonio Conte’s men due to a setback in his recovery.
Maignan was only supposed to be out for a month with his initial calf problem, but before his return at the end of October, he was diagnosed with a more severe calf tear.
While the shot-stopper has since accelerated his recovery, he has not been cleared for a first-team return, and the report adds that he is unlikely to be ready by the end of the month.
However, assuming no further setbacks, Maignan will be ready for the second leg of Milan’s last-16 tie with Tottenham, which takes place in North London on March 8.
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The France international was not named to Milan’s Champions League knockout squad, but the Rossoneri can include him up to 24 hours before the first leg.
With Maignan out, Milan will start Ciprian Tatarusanu in goal against Tottenham, while Alessandro Florenzi, Ismael Bennacer, and Fikayo Tomori are also in the treatment room.
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