AC Milan are set to start with Alex Jimenez at left-back against Cagliari this evening but many would have expected to see Davide Bartesaghi in that position instead.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Milan News), there will be at least one debutant in the Milan starting eleven for the Coppa Italia clash at San Siro because 18-year-old Jimenez will be given the nod at left-back, with Theo Hernandez having to play as a centre-back.
He is not the only young player destined to start, as Jan-Carlo Simic, Luka Romero and Chaka Traore are all expected to be in the lineup from the first minute.
Given the young Bartesaghi has had some involvement with the first team this season and has filled in for Hernandez before, fans have been rightfully wondering why Jimenez is set to start.
It turns out that Bartesaghi has been suffering with the flu in recent days and he will not be 100% for the match.
It is unfortunate timing for him as he would certainly have started, but Jimenez will get his chance to convince Pioli he should get more minutes as the season progresses. Jimenez is currently on loan from Real Madrid and can be signed for €5m in the summer.
