After picking up a wrist injury, the French Mike Maignan custodian joins an already long list of injuries at Milan, who have signed veteran Antonio Mirante as cover.
The Rossoneri confirmed the news via their official website and provided a rough timeline of his expected recovery and possible return date.
“AC Milan can confirm that Mike Maignan underwent an arthroscopic exam today that identified an injury to a ligament in his left wrist, which was repaired. The operation was a perfect success.
He will rest for six weeks before beginning the rehabilitation process. Maignan is expected to be out of action for 10 weeks.”
The Frenhcman, who joined from Lille in August, has had a fast start to life in Serie A as he was immediately handed the number one spot. Maignan kept five clean sheets in the first seven games of the league season, the second-best record in the division after Napoli.
Furthermore, Maignan led the league in terms of goals prevented – which is the difference between post-shot expected goals and actual goals conceded.
Given Maignan’s important role, replacing him won’t be easy for Stefano Pioli. The task to fill in his boots will go to reserve goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu, while veteran Antonio Mirante – who the club signed after Maignan’s injury news – will provide backup.
38-year-old Mirante has plenty of experience playing in Serie A. The veteran has represented clubs like Sampdoria, Parma, and Bologna while he last played in the league for European contenders AS Roma.
The Italian made 15 appearances for Roma in his last season at the club, fighting for the number one spot with Spaniard Pau Lopez.
AC Milan youth product Alessandro Plizzari, 21, is expected to provide further backup to Tatarusanu and Mirante in the absence of Maignan.
