Mike Maignan injury blow confirmed as AC Milan boss rules goalkeeper out of next match

Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed goalkeeper Maignan will miss the club's next match against Udinese after sustaining a right calf strain. The French international was forced off in the 56th minute of Milan's 1-0 victory over Bologna on Sunday and was seen leaving San Siro on crutches, according to Calciomercato. Allegri confirmed the blow post-match, expressing caution over the recurring nature of the injury. 

"I don't think Mike will be in Udine because his calf is dangerous," he said. "The important thing is to work as a team like tonight, then even in difficult situations it's important to have this right spirit, one small step at a time."

The latest setback adds to a troubling injury history for Maignan since he joined the Rossoneri. The strain is to the same right calf that has caused him significant issues in the past, most notably in the 2022-23 season when complications kept him sidelined for 31 matches between September and February. In total, the France No.1 has now missed 54 games through various injuries since his arrival in Milan, a figure that starkly contrasts with other top Serie A goalkeepers. 

The news soured what was otherwise a positive evening for Milan, who secured three points thanks to Luka Modric's first goal for the club. The 40-year-old midfielder fired home in the 61st minute to seal the 1-0 win. However, the victory proved costly, as defender Strahinja Pavlovic was also substituted with a hip flexor strain, leaving Allegri with two new injury concerns to manage.

Maignan's persistent fitness issues will undoubtedly raise questions over Milan's decision to block his potential transfer to Chelsea in the summer. The Premier League club were reportedly on the verge of signing the goalkeeper before Allegri's arrival, with the new head coach insisting the club pull the plug on the deal to make Maignan a central part of his project. With the keeper once again facing a spell on the sidelines, the club may now be questioning the wisdom of retaining a player with such a problematic injury record.

In Maignan's absence, 35-year-old veteran Pietro Terracciano is set to deputise. The summer signing made his club debut after replacing the Frenchman against Bologna and is now in line to start against Udinese at the weekend and likely in the subsequent Coppa Italia fixture against Lecce. With Milan not competing in Europe this season, the lighter fixture schedule may provide some relief as the club awaits a full prognosis on the length of Maignan's absence.