Milan handed defensive boost ahead of Europa League quarter-final against Roma

Stefano Pioli and Milan have received a bit of good news in the defensive department ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Serie A rivals Roma, as centre-back Malick Thiaw is back in full training with the group.

Thiaw reportedly returned to training on Tuesday, but took part in the full session with the rest of the first team on Wednesday.

The Rossoneri will be relatively short on central defenders heading into Thursday’s quarter-final, as Fikayo Tomori is ruled out through suspension and Pierre Kalulu remains out following his injury against Hellas Verona prior to the recent international break.

Thiaw missed 74 days worth of training and competitive action over the winter period, and has been brought off with a heel issue during Milan’s recent 2-1 win away at Fiorentina just shy of two weeks ago.

His presence as a starter against Roma on Thursday night is not a guarantee, but reports in Italy suggest that he is in contention to play alongside Simon Kjaer at the heart of the Milan defence.

Matteo Gabbia is Milan’s only other available senior centre-back, and he is likely to partner Kjaer if Milan decide against risking Thiaw.