Tottenham handed huge boost with Mike Maignan set to miss AC Milan clash
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football. London), Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost ahead of their Champions League round of 16 clash against AC Milan next month.
French goalkeeper Mike Maignan who is the first-choice in between the sticks for Stefano Pioli’s side is set to be sidelined for longer after suffering a calf injury which means he will miss the Tottenham games.
Maignan is undoubtedly a very good goalkeeper but injuries have really crippled his season. He is yet to play football since September and just when he seemed to be coming back, he has suffered yet another setback.
The French goalie has already missed out on going to the World Cup. He would have been the backup goalie in France’s squad incidentally to Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris and would have come back with a silver medal was he fit.
With the French captain now announcing retirement from the game, Maignan is undoubtedly the first choice to take his place in between the sticks. However, the fitness issues could mean someone else is preferred by Didier Deschamps.
In his absence, the 36-year-old Ciprian Tatarusanu has played most games in goal for AC Milan this season but with no disrespect to him, he is nowhere near the levels of Maignan which has been visible on a number of occasions.
This comes as a huge boost to Tottenham who would fancy their chances against the Italians over two legs. The likes of Harry Kane would be licking their lips at facing the Rossoneri minus Maignan.
However, one thing that Antonio & co. need to be worried about is not getting too complacent about the Frenchman’s absence. It could misfire very badly and hurt the Lilywhites on the big stage.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
- Tottenham Hotspur want Wolves defender Max Kilman in the summer
- Tottenham Hotspur ‘transfer target’ Ismael Bennacer signs new AC Milan contract until 2027
- Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty complicating Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Pedro Porro
Tottenham also know that they need to improve a lot. The levels they are showing recently are not good enough and they need to step up their game to beat the Italian giants next month.
