AC Milan have been bedevilled by injuries and illnesses in recent weeks and their first-team squad remains somewhat depleted ahead of their trip to England, to face Manchester United.
Much like his opposite number Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has tended to rotate resources in the Europa League and may be forced into doing so again in Manchester, as the Rossoneri are without the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ismael Bennacer, among others.
Despite speculation in the Italian media of a miraculous return to action for their Ibrahimovic, his chances of a fairytale homecoming at Old Trafford seem slim at best.
In addition, regular mainstays Hakan Calhanoglu, Ante Rebic and Theo Hernandez are further doubts for the Italian side and are unlikely to be risked with Napoli in waiting at the weekend and the home leg coming up next Thursday.
Pioli has recently offered rests to his established central-defensive pairing, Simon Kjaer and Alessandro Romagnoli, with Chelsea loanee Fikayo Tomori in contention to replace either man in the back four. Another loan signing, Diogo Dalot, could be needed to start against his parent club, covering Hernandez at left-back.
Having been a frequent performer in continental competition this term, Rafael Leao is set to lead the line in the probable absence of Ibrahimovic and his injury-hit understudy Mario Mandzukic.
In support of the Portuguese frontman, ex-Manchester City youngster Brahim Diaz could have the chance to enact swift revenge for the blue half of the city, stepping in for influential playmaker Calhanoglu.
AC Milan possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Calabria, Kjaer, Romagnoli, Dalot; Tonali, Kessie; Saelemaekers, Diaz, Castillejo; Leao
> Click here to see how Manchester United could line up for this contest
Jonathan O'Shea
