Stam shrugs off hamstring strain
Monday, April 25, 2005
Article summary
AC Milan defender Jaap Stam has been passed fit for Tuesday's semi-final first leg against PSV Eindhoven.
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'Cautious optimism'
The Dutch defender suffered a hamstring strain 31 minutes into Saturday's 3-0 win against Parma FC in Serie A but the injury was not as bad as first feared. "We still have to do some tests," said team doctor Jean-Pierre Meersseman earlier on Monday. "He wants to play against PSV and we want him there as well, but without risks. Knowing him, however, there's cautious optimism." That optimism has proved well placed, as Stam has been included in Milan's 20-man squad which was named this evening.
Desperate defender
First-choice centre-half Alessandro Nesta is already ruled out of the game against the newly-crowned Dutch champions in Milan through suspension and former PSV defender Stam is desperate to feature. "I have to play because of Nesta's suspension," said the 32-year-old. "But also just because I really want to be there."
Pirlo positive
Should Stam's problem resurface, Milan veteran Alessandro Costacurta, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday, is in line to deputise. Milan's other big injury worry, midfielder Andrea Pirlo, is almost certain to figure in the starting lineup after taking part in training as usual on Sunday.
