AC Milan are now set to be without goalkeeper Mike Maignan for their two matches against Chelsea in the Champions League next month.
According to Calciomercato, the France international picked up a calf injury in his country's match with Austria recently and the problem is 'more serious than expected'. Maignan could be sidelined for around a month with the injury – meaning he would be absent for the Rossoneri's back-to-back European clashes with Chelsea in October.
Graham Potter's side are scheduled to take on Milan at Stamford Bridge on October 5, before making the trip to the San Siro the following week on October 11. Stefano Pioli is also set to be without left-back Theo Hernandez and midfielder Sandro Tonali.
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Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi is also struggling with injury, as well as Ante Rebic – with Milan possibly missing five players for their first match against Chelsea. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a long-term absentee, while former Chelsea duo Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud, as it stands, are fit and ready for the double-header against their old club.
Fortunately for Milan, they have a deep squad full of options so they have some very competent replacements for the five that are set to be sidelined. Ciprian Tatarusanu, the experienced goalkeeper, could replace Maignan for the matches.
Fode Ballo-Toure could come into the side should Hernandez miss out at left-back. New signing Sergino Dest is also an option to play out on the left, despite the American's natural side being on the right.
The Rossoneri also have plenty of central midfield options to replace Tonali, with Ismael Bennacer, Tiemoue Bakayoko (on loan from Chelsea), Tommaso Pobega, Aster Vranckx and Rade Krunic all to choose from.
Ibrahimovic and Origi can be replaced by Giroud, while Rafael Leao can also be used in the centre.
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