‘It’s a pity’: AC Milan coach says star man won’t play against Celtic

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AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli admits he’s disappointed to lose Hakan Calhanoglu to injury before tonight’s Europa League clash with Celtic, speaking to Milan TV, translated by Football Italia.

No team in Europe’s major leagues have picked up more points post-lockdown than the Rossoneri.

With a 100 per cent record in Serie A this season and a 20-match unbeaten run in all competitions, Milan are clear favourites heading into a mouth-watering continental clash against a Celtic side who failed to produce a shot on target during their Old Firm derby collapse on Saturday.

But while under-fire Neil Lennon faces the almost impossible task of keeping Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet, at least Celtic won’t have to pit their wits against one of the most in-form attacking midfielders in the game.

Calhanoglu limped away from Milan’s training ground earlier this week, crutches in hand, and won’t feature in Glasgow this evening.

“Unfortunately, injuries are part of the job and it’s a pity to lose Hakan,” Pioli says of the Turkey international, who has seven goals and assists in seven matches this term.

“But we have other players, albeit with different characteristics. We’ll find the best solution to field a competitive team.”

Pioli did suggest Norwegian starlet Jens Petter Hauge could start alongside Manchester United loanee Diego Dalot.

However, Croatia international Ante Rebic, Milan’s second-highest goalscorer in 2020 with 11 to his name, is also stuck on the sidelines with a dislocated shoulder.