Chelsea’s UCL opponents hampered with key injuries ahead of crunch clash

AC Milan struggle with injuries to key players with the Chelsea game coming up

As per a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football.London), Italian side AC Milan are hampered with injuries to key players ahead of the game against Chelsea in the Champions League coming in a week’s time.

During the international break, Sandro Tonali and Theo Hernandez have picked up injuries, while former Liverpool striker Divock Origi and Ante Rebic are also doubts for the game at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday. The former is more or less confirmed to miss this encounter.

Tonali left the Italian national team camp as a precaution. Milan are hoping that he is back fit to face Empoli at the weekend before travelling to London to face Chelsea.

AC Milan struggle with injuries to key players with the Chelsea game coming up.
Sandro Tonali will be a big miss for AC Milan if he doesn’t play against Chelsea.

Hernandez, on the other hand, remained absent from the France squad for the UEFA Nations League games. He stayed in Milan instead to recover from a muscle injury.

It is understood that the French international will not make it for the Empoli game, while being a doubt to make it to the Chelsea game.

Rebic is scheduled to return to training this week, however, he has not played competitive football since August. So, he would naturally take some time before getting fit to be in a matchday squad.

AC Milan struggle with injuries to key players with the Chelsea game coming up.
Olivier Giroud is passed fit to face his former club Chelsea. (imago Images)

On the good news front, former Chelsea stars Olivier Giroud and Fikayo Tomori are passed fit and will line up when Milan visit Stamford Bridge. The duo will be having the extra motivation to do well against their former employers.

The Blues have made a stuttering start to their Champions League campaign. With one point from two group games, they lie at the bottom of the table.

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If they are to climb up and finish in the top two, it is probably a must-win game against Milan at home, while the return fixture a week later at the San Siro is equally important.