Thiaw: Pioli confirms Milan defender out against Lecce | OneFootball

Milan coach Stefano Pioli confirms Malick Thiaw won’t be available against Lecce tomorrow but hopes the German centre-back will return to action against Roma on Thursday when Fikayo Tomori will be suspended.

Milan are preparing to host Lecce at the Stadio Meazza on Saturday, just five days before the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals against Roma, also at San Siro.

Thiaw was subbed off during the halftime break of Milan’s 2-1 win over Fiorentina on Sunday and will miss tomorrow’s home game.

Why Milan defender Thiaw is not available against Lecce

“He’s not available tomorrow but it is also due to the game we have on Thursday,” Pioli said at a press conference, as quoted by Milannews.

“He has inflammation from plantar fasciitis, which has caused him trouble. He’s been unable to complete all training sessions with us. As a precautionary measure, he won’t be called up, but there’s great hope he can be available on Thursday, given the absences of Tomori and Pierre Kalulu.”

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is suspended against Lecce so Pioli was asked if Ismael Bennacer could play as an attacking midfielder tomorrow.

“Yes, he can play in place of Loftus-Cheek. He had the flu and missed a few training sessions this week, but he and some of his teammates can play there.”

Tijjani Reijnders often moved towards the left wing during Milan’s latest win in Florence.

“Tijji has often played on the left; it depends on Leao’s defensive position,” said Pioli.

“I believe that with players of such quality—I refer to Leao, Theo, and Reijders—we can develop dangerous situations. We try to make the most of our players’ characteristics and have the right balance.”

Milan results and position in Serie A table

Milan won four consecutive matches in Serie A and are unbeaten in league games since February 18 when they suffered a 4-2 loss against Monza at the U-Power Stadium.

They currently rank second in the Serie A table, 14 points below leaders InterJuventus.