Celtic face potential boost from AC Milan injuries

CELTIC could face a significantly-weakened AC Milan side in their Champions League group matches with the news that the Rossoneri are now missing three key defenders.

Scott Brown battles AC Milan's Favalli Guiseppe during the side's last meeting in 2007. Picture: SNS

Vice-president of the club Adriano Galliani has insisted that the Italian side have the depth in squad to overcome the injury setbacks, but warned: “We have to make sure we do not lose confidence.”

20-year-old full back Mattia De Sciglio is expected to be out of action for at least two months as he undergoes knee surgery in the next few days, while Argentinian centre back Matias Silverstre - on loan from city rivals Inter Milan - has also been sidelined.

The latest headache for Milan is the news that Ignazio Abate - Italy’s first choice right back - is to undergo tests after sustaining a muscle injury while on international duty.

And experienced stopper Daniel Bonera is still recovering from a fractured kneecap.

However, Galliani is unfazed by the setbacks, earmarking potential stand-ins for the missing quartet. Speaking to AC Milan’s official website, the vice-president said: “When we get injuries, we are unlucky because we tend to get them not only in the same line but in the same positions.”

“Abate and De Sciglio are the full-backs of the national team but we are able to overcome this setback.”

Galliani suggested that midfield duo Cristian Zaccardo and Andrea Poli are capable of filling in.

Celtic last faced the Rossoneri in 2007, winning 2-1 at Parkhead but losing 1-0 in Italy.