Ronaldinho Ruled Out For Catania Clash

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Ronaldinho and Clarence Seedorf share a hug after the Brazilian netted for AC Milan against Portsmouth in the UEFA Cup (PA)

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Luck continues to conspire against Milan, as they will have to do without superstar Ronaldinho for tomorrow's match against Catania. Other absences will be Andrea Pirlo, Filippo Inzaghi, Clarence Seedorf, Daniele Bonera, as well as long-term injuries Alessandro Nesta and Marco Borriello. Massimo Ambrosini and Daniele Bonera are also unavailable.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti had already mentioned the player was a doubt for this match, and in the final training session he pulled up with a muscle problem, removing all doubt.

This will no doubt be a blow for the Rossoneri, who need to bounce back from two costly defeats against Palermo in Serie A and Lazio in the Coppa Italia.

Ronaldinho has been one of Milan's best players lately, finding the net with ease, but Kaká has said that the team has nevertheless had some problems adjusting to his presence.

Perhaps last year's Ballon D'Or winner will be more comfortable now that his countryman is out, as Ancelotti has to re-think his tactics with so many players out.

The good news is that Alexandre Pato will be available for this one. The 19-year-old had been a doubt due to bruised ribs.

This is Milan's full squad: Abbiati, Dida, Antonini, De Vito, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Senderos, Zambrotta, Cardacio, Emerson, Flamini, Gattuso, Pedrocchi, Kakà, Pato, Shevchenko, Viudez.

Danilo Pochini