Double French blow for AC Milan
AC Milan received a double French blow yesterday, losing goalkeeper Mike Maignanand defender Theo Hernandez.
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan underwent a wrist surgery yesterday and, according to reports in Italy, he could remain out of action for two months.
Milan confirmed the French goalkeeper needed surgery as the Frenchman continued to feel pain in his left wrist.
The Rossoneri have therefore rushed to sign former Roma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante as a free agent.
The 38-year-old made his medical examinations yesterday morning and will sign a oneyear deal with the Rossoneri with an option for a further season.
Mirante was drafted in because Milan’s third-choice goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari had also undergone surgery at the end of the September and will remain out of action for three months.
Ciprian Tatarusau is likely to be promoted to first-choice goalkeeper while Maignan recovers from his injury.
Meanwhile AC Milan announced that Theo Hernández, who has returned from the national team, has tested positive for a swab carried out at home.
The relevant local health authorities have been informed and the player is doing well,” the official statement read.
The French full-back was included in the France squad for the Nations League Final Four and contributed to Les Blues‘ win with one goal and one assist in two games.
His compatriot and Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot had tested positive for COVID last week, after France’s semi-final against Belgium in Turin.
According to reports in France, Rabiot is one of the players who refused to get the jab and it’s unclear whether or not Theo got vaccinated against COVID.
Theo, 24, scored one goal and registered three assists in nine appearances across all competitions with the Rossoneri so far this season.
He made his senior France debut this past September in a World Cup qualifying match against Finland.
His contract at San Siro expires in June 2024, but according to multiple reports in Italy the Rossoneri are willing to extend his stay at the club giving him a pay rise.
Milan will face Hellas Verona on Saturday at San Siro in the Serie A.