Thiaw out for AC Milan's matches against Juventus and Girona

AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw will miss crucial matches against Juventus and Girona following a hamstring injury sustained in the win over Como.

Malick Thiaw of AC Milan arrives ahead of the Serie A match at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 11, 2025, in Milan, Italy. Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Amanda Zahra

AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw will be sidelined for the team's upcoming match against Juventus and their Champions League clash with Girona due to a hamstring injury. The Serie A club confirmed on Wednesday that the 23-year-old, who had been a key part of Milan's defensive lineup, injured his left hamstring during Tuesday’s 2-1 victory against Como.

In a brief statement, AC Milan announced that Thiaw would be unavailable for the upcoming fixtures, revealing that the injury forced him to be substituted in the second half of the match. The club indicated that the defender will be assessed over the next seven to ten days to determine the extent of the injury and his potential recovery timeline.

The timing of Thiaw’s injury is especially concerning as Milan prepares for two significant fixtures. Thiaw will miss Saturday's crucial Serie A match against Juventus, one of Milan’s fiercest rivals, and the subsequent Champions League encounter against Girona on Tuesday. Both matches are pivotal for Milan's pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions.

Milan is particularly focused on securing direct qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds, with the Girona match playing a crucial role in their path forward. The absence of Thiaw, a key defender, could prove a challenge for the team as they look to maintain their strong defensive record and overall performance in these important fixtures.

In other injury news, Milan also addressed concerns surrounding two of their attacking stars, Christian Pulisic and Alvaro Morata. Both players were substituted at halftime during the win against Como, sparking fears of potential muscle injuries. However, Milan clarified that neither player had sustained the types of muscle injuries that were initially feared.

Pulisic and Morata were both replaced as a precautionary measure, and Milan’s medical team has confirmed that neither is expected to be sidelined for the upcoming matches. However, Morata will be unavailable for the Juventus game due to a suspension, having accumulated his fifth yellow card of the season in the Como match. Morata’s absence from the Juventus clash adds further pressure on Milan’s attacking options as they face off against one of their biggest rivals.

AC Milan is currently in seventh place in Serie A, five points behind fourth-placed Lazio. However, the Rossoneri do have a game in hand, which gives them an opportunity to close the gap and push for a top-four finish by the end of the season. With Juventus being one of the key fixtures in their chase for a Champions League spot, Milan will need to overcome their absences and maintain focus on the league’s high stakes.

In the Champions League, Milan is just one point shy of the top eight, with only two matches remaining in the group stage. The first of these fixtures is the home match against Girona, followed by an away trip to Dinamo Zagreb the following week. These final group-stage matches will be crucial for Milan’s hopes of progressing into the knockout rounds, and they will need a strong performance to secure qualification.

The absence of Thiaw in these two high-profile fixtures is a significant blow to AC Milan. As a 23-year-old who has been central to the team's defense, Thiaw’s injury leaves Milan with a gap in their backline. While Milan has other capable defenders, Thiaw's physical presence and consistency at the back have been vital for the team's recent successes.

With key fixtures looming in both Serie A and the Champions League, Milan will have to adjust without one of their best performers. This could mean more responsibility for players like Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjaer, who will have to step up in Thiaw's absence. Milan will also need to ensure that their defensive cohesion remains intact as they face formidable opponents like Juventus and Girona.

Key fixtures for Milan

The Juventus and Girona matches represent crucial opportunities for Milan to strengthen their position in both Serie A and the Champions League. With just a few points separating Milan from the top spots in Serie A and the Champions League knockout stages, these two fixtures will be make-or-break for their ambitions in both competitions.

Against Juventus, Milan will be looking to overcome not only their injuries and suspensions but also a historically difficult opponent. The rivalry between the two clubs has always been intense, and Milan’s squad will need to be fully focused to secure a vital win in their pursuit of a Champions League spot.

Similarly, the Champions League match against Girona will be pivotal in determining Milan's path to the knockout rounds. A win is necessary for Milan to maintain their momentum and push for a top-two finish in the group. Given the stakes, the team will need to perform at its best, and without Thiaw and Morata, Milan’s depth will be tested.

Despite these challenges, AC Milan remains focused on achieving success in both Serie A and the Champions League. While Thiaw’s injury and Morata’s suspension are setbacks, Milan has shown resilience this season and will aim to continue their strong performances as they navigate these difficult fixtures. With key players like Pulisic, Leao, and Tonali continuing to impress, Milan will look to overcome their challenges and build towards their goals for the season.

As the team heads into these crucial matches, the absence of Thiaw and Morata will no doubt be a concern, but Milan's focus will remain on securing positive results. Whether in Serie A or the Champions League, AC Milan will need to adapt to these setbacks, with a key focus on maintaining their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.

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