Preview: Milan begin Champions League campaign without Kaka and El Shaarawy
With Milan’s ongoing injury problems, Massimo Allegri has some task on hand as he is down to bare bones for Milan’s Champions League opener against Celtic.
The Italian side was already without the likes of Ignazio Abate, Mattia de Sciglio, Matias Silvestre, Daniele Bonera and Giampaolo Pazzini prior to their 2-2 weekend draw with Torino. Their injury crisis has worsened, losing three of their influential players in Kaka, El Shaarawy and Riccardo Montolivo all of whom are officially out of Wednesday’s tie.
However Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri remained optimistic and declared that his side could get the result without the missing players. Besides, the hosts will have Mario Balotelli available.
"We'll make do with who we have and we'll have fresh players ready to play what is a delicate and important game," said the Italian.
Milan have had a slow start to the new Serie A campaign having managed a single win in the three matches played so far. In their last outing Milan salvaged a 2-2 draw against Torino, a side which was widely tipped to be relegated last season.
To make matters worse for the Italian giants, they have been drawn in a difficult group which also includes European powerhouse Barcelona and Dutch champions Ajax.
Celtic on the other hand will be hoping to continue where they left off last season in Europe. The Scottish side pulled off the upset of the season when they defeated Barcelona 2-1 at the Celtic park. However Kenyan international Victor Wanyama who capped an inspirational performance with a goal that night has sealed a move to English side Southampton whereas their star striker Gary Hooper has joined Norwich City in the Premier League.
However the Hoops have made several signings in the summer most of whom are in contention to feature in the Champions League tie. Former Ajax winger Derk Boerrigter, defender Virgil van Dijk, Finnish forward Teemu Pukki and Portuguese international Amido Balde could all make their first Champions League appearances for Neil Lennon's side.
Celtic will however miss out on the services of new addition Steven Mouyokolo who after rupturing his Achilles tendon in training is expected to miss out on the entire group stage. Whereas Scotland striker James Forest will miss the match due to a back injury.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live Scores
AC Milan vs Celtic live on Wednesday, September 18, 2013:
In Canada at 14:45 ET on Sportsnet Ontario / East / West / Pacific
Internationally at 18:45 GMT on: UEFA Match Centre (live stream)
In UK at 19:45 BST on Sky Sports 2/HD, Sky Go
In USA at 14:45 ET on Fox Soccer 2Go, MSG Plus, Fox Sports Ohio, Fox Sports Florida, Fox Sports Net
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Those in Australia can watch the match live on ESPN3 Australia.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the AC Milan vs Celtic match page.
