AC Milan vs Genoa preview - Two injured for Milan
Posted Friday, November 22, 2013 by PA
AC Milan have suffered a double blow ahead of Saturday's game against Genoa with goalkeeper Marco Amelia and defender Cristian Zaccardo injured.
Both players got hurt in training this week and will miss the match as well as the Champions League encounter at Celtic on Tuesday.
A statement from Milan read: "AC Milan announces Cristian Zaccardo has suffered a sprain in his left ankle.
"The defender's condition will be evaluated in the next coming days to determine a prognosis.
"Marco Amelia will undergo surgery in his left knee today (Friday) having sustained a meniscus injury."
The Rossoneri go into the encounter at the San Siro on the back of their worst start to Serie A in 31 years.
Their goalless draw at bottom-side Chievo last time out extended their winless run to four games.
Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo, who will sit out the clash against Genoa through suspension, insists his team-mates should not obsess over Milan's current position in the table.
The Rossoneri are 10th, 15 points behind Napoli, who are third and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.
"We are all aware of the difficult situation we are in," he said. "We have to concentrate on winning to turn things around."
A win would ease the pressure on Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, who faces a testing week with the Rossoneri involved in the Champions League.
Allegri's troops travel to Glasgow in second place in Group H, five points adrift of leaders Barcelona and just one point clear of nearest rivals Ajax, who are third with two games remaining.
Mario Balotelli returns from suspension and is expected to lead Milan's attack against Genoa alongside Kaka and Alessandro Matri.
The Italy international has not found the net for Milan since scoring at Ajax on October 1.
In-form Genoa won 2-0 over Hellas Verona last time out.
The Grifoni have won their last three games and their good run of form has seen them climb to seventh place, four points clear of Milan.
Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini is confident his side can keep up their fine form.
"I'm confident we can do well against Milan," he said.
"But we must remain humble and know we face a very difficult test this weekend."
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