2 hours ago
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Massimiliano Allegri does not intend to take any risks with Mike Maignan and will therefore not use him against Lecce tonight.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that unlike Leao’s calf – which initially seemed minor but turned out to be a more serious issue – Maignan’s doesn’t appear likely to require excessive treatment. It was a minor issue, and it remains a minor issue.
However, given that it’s a particularly delicate muscle, the last few hours at Milanello have been a time of deliberation. Allegri was pondering whether he should bring the Frenchman back tonight against Lecce, or wait for Napoli.
Barring any significant developments, the latter option appears to have prevailed, especially after the pre-match training session. The schedule pits Milan against Napoli and Juventus in the space of a week, and it goes without saying how crucial this high-stakes double-header is.
Prudence prevails
In practical terms, Maignan isn’t sitting idle. He’s training and if Tuesday night were a Coppa Italia derby, he’d play. Allegri certainly isn’t snubbing Lecce, but the prospect of Napoli and Juventus calls for caution.
Caution suggests postponing his return, which will now take place against the Campania side on Sunday evening at the Meazza. The decision is to let him train a few more days, without subjecting him to the risks of a knockout game.
Pietro Terracciano will remain in goal, and he sincerely hopes to continue the virtuous cycle that has allowed Milan to record four clean sheets in their first five games of the season, including three in a row coming into tonight.
The Rossoneri haven’t conceded a goal and have allowed very few shots: the best possible outcome for a goalkeeper. Terracciano will hope not to be called into action much against Lecce, but he is ready if needed.
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