Milan pin hopes on Kalac recovery
Monday, February 18, 2008
Article summary
With goalkeeper Dida already ruled out, Zeljko Kalac has been kept in the AC Milan squad to face Arsenal FC despite dislocating a finger in training on Sunday.
Article body
Goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac has been included in the AC Milan squad to play Arsenal FC in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, despite dislocating a finger on his right hand in training on Sunday.
Dida out
With Dida already ruled out of the trip because of a back injury, Milan are hoping the Australian will recover in time to face Arsenal in the first leg of the first knockout round tie. Valerio Fiori, who has not played a competitive game since December 2003, will make his UEFA Champions League debut at the age of 38 should Kalac not be fit to play. Eighteen-year-old Brazilian forward Pato also features in the squad despite not having played since twisting his left ankle on 3 February.
First choice
Kalac, 35, is in his third season with Milan after signing from AC Perugia in the summer of 2005. Capped 54 times by Australia, he has made 22 league appearances for the European champions, including ten this season after supplanting Dida as the Rossoneri's first-choice keeper. Milan are fifth in Serie A after drawing 0-0 at Parma FC on Saturday.
