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Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has a number of defensive injury worries to deal with on the eve of the Champions League match with Lille.

Captain Paolo Maldini limped off during Saturday’s match with Livorno and will face a one-month absence, confirming he has not yet fully recovered from his long-term injury last year.

Veterans Alessandro Costacurta and Marcos Cafu are also struggling, as well as Alessandro Nesta, who continues to suffer muscular problems, but should be part of Tuesday’s match.

Converted left-back Serginho is suffering from a slipped disc and will probably need to undergo surgery, which is likely to keep him out for a number of months.

Ancelotti is aware of the importance of the match and knows that the rotation of his men is the best possible.

“This is the most important match of the group face, as we will face the strongest team away from San Siro,” said Ancelotti before the team’s departure from the Malpensa airport.

“They have been doing very well and are a dangerous side. They play dynamic and aggressive football.

“We will have to try to keep full control of the situation, but it won’t be easy because they are very fast and dangerous when they attack.

“A victory would be the best possible outcome and would solve most of our worries about the Champions League. I will have to rotate the players though, as turnover is the only solution.

“I am not concerned about the fact that the team seemed a bit tired at the end of the match with Livorno – it’s normal when you have to play so often.”

Lille warmed up for the game with a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Lyon in their Ligue 1 clash at the weekend.

Milan (probable): Dida; Cafu, Nesta, Simic, Favalli; Seedorf, Gattuso, Pirlo; Kaka; Inzaghi, Gilardino


Football Italia
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