Carlo Ancelotti breathes a sigh of relief after Marco Borriello’s injury and casts his eye over “a very unusual season.”
There were fears Borriello would be out of action for a month after pulling up during yesterday’s training session with a suspected thigh strain.
“He is already doing better this morning and it’s possible the muscle is just tired,” said a relieved Ancelotti.
“It is true that our strikers have not yet performed to the levels we were expecting, but in recompense Ronaldinho has done better than we thought he would.
“He has given an important contribution to the side and yet he was the one we expected a long wait for. As for [Andriy] Shevchenko, he is motivated, ready and improving, but [Alexandre Pato] could be the centre-forward in Borriello’s absence.”
Gianluca Zambrotta, Massimo Ambrosini, Philippe Senderos, Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta are also in doubt for Sunday’s game with Chievo.
“If Zambrotta can’t make it, then Daniele Bonera will play as right-back. Ambro is not available, while Andrea Pirlo is not fit for the bench.”
Ancelotti’s men cannot afford another slip-up after they lost the Serie A leadership with a 1-1 draw away to Lecce.
“We want to get back on top and every match is crucial. It is true that now we must wait on other results too, but aside from the point we returned from Lecce with a good performance.
“This is a very unusual season compared to all the others, as there is remarkable equality. The big clubs have not yet reached their potential, while others like Udinese and Napoli have done more than expected.”
Reports emerged today that David Beckham would try to extend his loan spell at San Siro until the summer, something that LA Galaxy denied.
“I don’t get surprised by anything, but it seems to me that the rapport with Beckham is very clear and will finish after two to three months,” concluded Ancelotti.
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