GdS: Pavlovic still suffering from flu – the two options to replace him vs. Cagliari

AC Milan are in Cagliari and is experiencing one of the most uncertain pre-match build-ups in recent years.

La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Strahinja Pavlovic is currently being monitored most closely because, despite last night’s optimism, the Serbian centre-back is still not feeling well. The flu that’s bothering him hasn’t gone away, and the afternoon is crucial.

If he improves, he’ll play as usual. Otherwise, there are two options: Davide Bartesaghi at left centre-back with Pervis Estupinan at wing-back, or David Odogu as a direct replacement for Pavlovic. As of the early afternoon, there is no certainty.

Niclas Füllkrug, however, will be on the bench as expected. Milan filed his contract with the Lega Serie A this morning. The club completed the paperwork, and both the Rossoneri and West Ham have issued official statements confirming the transfer, so he can be named in the squad.

In Cagliari, therefore, Massimiliano Allegri will have a new No.9. How much time will Füllkrug play? Likely a snippet in the second half. Allegri made it clear in yesterday’s pre-match press conference that the German will not start.

With Rafael Leao still not fully recovered from an adductor problem, it’s clear a change in attack will be needed.  Whether it’s to defend the result or try to turn the game around, we’ll see later this evening.