AC Milan have been struggling for defensive depth all season but they should soon have Malick Thiaw back in the mix and working towards a full return
According to Tuttosport (via Milan News), the German defender is now back in training with the rest of his teammates and is taking greater strides towards a return.
It was actually explained by Stefano Pioli during his press conference ahead of the Serie A clash with Napoli that Thiaw has really been pushing himself in recent weeks to get fit as fast as possible.
The defender joined the group in full on Saturday and that means that it should not be long before he is back at Pioli’s disposal. The coach even admitted that he could be in the squad for the Europa League match against Stade Rennes next week.
“Malick [Thiaw] has forced himself this week and joined the group, yesterday in part and today totally. Tomorrow he will rest because his program included this rest here. If all goes well he will be called up for the Europa League match,” Pioli said,
Even if he is fit enough to make the squad against Rennes, it would be a surprise to see his fitness risked. The game against Monza a few days later seems like the most feasible return to the pitch.
For the moment, Pioli must use two out of Simon Kjaer, Matteo Gabbia and Jan-Carlo Simic at centre-back, unless he wants to bring Theo Hernandez back into that role.
Gabbia-Thiaw gives me a little more confidence in our defense. No doubt he will be rusty coming back though.