Malick Thiaw partially trained with the group at Milanello today and his return is thus getting closer. Although he won’t be available against Napoli on Sunday, the German defender should be back for the game against Stade Rennes.
After sustaining an injury in the clash against Borussia Dortmund, Thiaw had been on the sidelines for over two months until return to training today. He didn’t take part in the full training session, it should be noted, so he will not be called up for the Napoli clash on Sunday.
However, as Peppe Di Stefano of Sky Italia claims (via Francesco Nasato), the German defender should be called up for the first Europa League clash against Stade Rennes next week. A huge boost for Stefano Pioli and his men, especially since the schedule will be busier moving forward.
A start against the French side seems unlikely, but he could perhaps get some minutes off the bench depending on the scores. After over two months on the sidelines, the defender clearly needs to work on his fitness levels.
In the meantime, Pioli will continue to rely on Matteo Gabbia and Simon Kjaer in the heart of the defence, with especially the former impressing lately.
People scream pioli out while he had his two best defenders out of action… I hope with Thiaw the stability returns and with Tomori we return to winning ways
We’ve had two key defenders out and wonder why we have defensive problems. Thiaw and Tomori both need to return. I do hope Gabbia keeps starting. We asked him to return and he’s playing exceptionally well.