AC Milan have revealed that striker Robinho will not be available for the upcoming Champions league clash with Spanish club Atletico Madrid, who are second in the table only behind Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid have been one of the surprise packages this campaign, as they have been able to maintain their title challenge for most of the season. They even had the league lead for a brief period before the 2-0 defeat against Almeria. Hence, this is going to be a tough match for the Italian club, who are struggling to find their feet this campaign.
This led to the sacking of manager Massimiliano Allegri, but results have not improved significantly even after the appointment of former midfielder Clarence Seedorf as the new manager. Seedorf will have the huge task on his hands ahead of this Champions league match especially after the news about Robinho. Even though the 30-year-old has scored only three goals in 18 matches this campaign, his experience would have been invaluable to the team. As it is, Milan will now be dependent on stars like Mario Balotelli and Kaka in order to see them through.
Seedorf has had a tough run of matches and he has managed just two wins in the last five matches.
“Robinho has sustained a muscular injury in his left thigh. The Brazilian striker will undergo further tests next week,” said a statement on the official site of AC Milan. The club, though, will be hoping that the player recovers in time in order to be available for the second leg, which will take place in March. The first leg will be away from home. Milan are in the bottom half of the table and they will be depending on the Champions league success this season in order to qualify for next season’s competition.