Ambrosini likely to miss final

Uphill battle
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that the 27-year-old Italian international faces an uphill battle to be fit in time for the match in Istanbul next Wednesday. "It will be difficult for him to recover," said Ancelotti, who has no other injury problems. Ambrosini has been restricted to the bench for most of the season but is frequently used as a substitute during the second half of games

Crucial goal
However, he played for the whole of the second leg of Milan's semi-final at PSV Eindhoven two weeks ago, scoring the last-minute goal in their 3-1 defeat in the Netherlands which effectively sealed their place in the final. "Massimo Ambrosini underwent tests which confirmed the injury to his left thigh," the Italian side said in a statement on their official website. "Considering the extent of his injury it will be very difficult for him to recover in time for the final in Istanbul."

Midfield setback
His absence would be a setback for Milan who have little cover in midfield for the hard-tackling Gennaro Gattuso. Should Ambrosini be missing, Frenchman Vikash Dhorasoo and Italian Cristian Brocchi would be in contention for places on the bench.

Inzaghi hope
Ancelotti, speaking at Milan's media open day, indicated that striker Filippo Inzaghi, who has missed the bulk of the season through injury, was in with a strong chance of playing. "Inzaghi is fine and he is available. In fact he is one of the freshest players in the squad given that he has not played many games this season," said Ancelotti.