Pato included in Milan squad
Reuters - Monday 08 March 2010, 14:01
MILAN - AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato
looks to have shaken off a thigh injury after being included in
the squad on Monday for Wednesday's Champions League last 16
second leg at Manchester United.
The Brazilian missed Saturday's 0-0 draw at AS Roma but a
club statement said he would travel to Manchester, where the
Serie A side need to overturn a 3-2 first leg deficit.
Pato is the key part of the three-pronged attack favoured by
Milan coach Leonardo, who was forced to play strikers Marco
Borriello and Klaas Jan Huntelaar as a front two at Roma.
If the Brazilian is fit enough to start on the right of the
trio, Dutchman Huntelaar is likely to drop to the bench with
Ronaldinho and Borriello filling the other forward positions.
David Beckham would have been a candidate to replace Pato
but the 34-year-old is now more likely to play on the right of
midfield if Leonardo decides to bring the England man back
against his former club.
Midfielder Mathieu Flamini played instead of substitute
Beckham against Roma while Gennaro Gattuso is available at Old
Trafford after a ban and Clarence Seedorf returns from a knock.
NEWS: Leonardo relishing Old Trafford opportunity