[arivanjj]

Kaka’s spokesman may not be so sure, but Milan’s fitness staff are confident the Balon d’Or winner and Alexandre Pato will be ready to face Arsenal.

The presence of the two Brazilians in this Champions League clash was put in doubt by recent injury worries.

Pato turned his ankle on the turf during Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Fiorentina, while Kaka’s spokesman Diego Kotscho warns a knee problem has been dragging on for months and “he probably will not be fielded against Arsenal.”

However, a very different opinion has been proffered by MilanLab co-ordinator Jean Pierre Meersseman.

“Pato is much better today. Up until yesterday he was walking with the aid of crutches, but now he can walk without feeling any pain,” he told Milan Channel.

“We are confident of his recovery time. Up until yesterday we thought it would take two or three weeks, but now I think within a fortnight he can be recovered and ready for the match with Arsenal.”

There were fears Pato had damaged ligaments or even fractured his ankle when he caught his studs in the turf.

“Pato was certainly very frightened, as it was his first injury and came after scoring a fantastic goal the day before he was set to join the Brazilian national team. It was a physical blow and a psychological one.”

The race to play at the Emirates on February 20 is also on for Kaka, who has been struggling with a knee problem.

“Kaka will certainly be available against Arsenal, but he won’t be there with Siena,” confirmed Meersseman.

“This knee injury has been going on for almost two years and he always feels a little pain the day after a match. This is why we decided to take action so he can recover quicker in future.”

The Rossoneri face Siena this weekend without the suspended Alberto Gilardino, so there are precious few options left in attack.

“Ronaldo and Pippo Inzaghi will certainly be there against Siena. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif) They looked good in training. We also scanned Gennaro Gattuso and he too should be ready for Arsenal.”

The professor revealed a curious particular about Gattuso’s hardman reputation,

“We need to protect Rino from himself, as he feels no pain and so pushed forward through everything. We need in-depth tests to see if there really is any damage or not.”


Channel4

[Warchant]

great news...glad the injuries aren't as serious as previously thought!