Milan have been dealt a major blow ahead of their Champions League tie with Liverpool after confirming that striker Olivier Giroud has tested positive for Covid-19.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker joined the Rossoneri this summer and has instantly made an impact at the Italian club - netting twice in his opening two games.
Stefano Pioli’s side are set to host the Reds in the Champions League group stage opener in less than a fortnight and his star striker is now a major doubt for the clash.
It is a challenging Champions League group for the Reds with Spanish champions Atletico Madrid and Portuguese giants FC Porto also included.
Jurgen Klopp’s side open their campaign with a home clash against the Milanese club on Wednesday 15 September with a major goal threat for the visitors now facing a race against time to return to selection.
The Italian club have said in a statement: "AC Milan announces that Olivier Giroud tested positive following a molecular swab performed at home.
"The local health authorities were immediately informed. The player is fine but must remain in isolation.
"It should be noted that Olivier has not had contact with the rest of the team since the match against Cagliari."
Giroud’s potential absence would leave Milan short of attacking options with 39-year-old striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic yet to feature this campaign.
Pioli’s team - who are back in the Champions League after a seven-year absence - like to play with a three-man attack with a ‘target man’ striker spearheading the trio.
Rafael Leao is a major goal threat while Brahim Diaz and Ante Rebic are among the other attacking options at their disposal, but the potential return of Ibrahimovic could prove significant.
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Pioli said last week: "They (Ibrahimovic and Kessie) are doing a great job, they are improving and I hope that from next week they will be back in the group and back after the break.
“That is when I hope the whole group will be available.”
The Milan boss believes his side are well placed to enjoy a strong season both domestically and in the Champions League - a trophy they have won on seven occasions.
“We have grown, we are more aware of our strengths,” he added. “The important thing is that the team enters the pitch with clear ideas.
“We must always have this enthusiasm; we must get excited and excite our fans. Then I don’t know about our opponents, but we have grown.
“We are no longer the surprise package in the league and we try to develop.”
Milan’s last Champions League triumph was in 2007, when they edged out Liverpool 2-1 in the showpiece.
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