Why Tiago Gabriel is not even on the bench for AC Milan v Lecce

Lecce have announced that Tiago Gabriel picked up a neck problem at the end of yesterday's training session. In fact, a severe stiff neck has ruled him out of recovering in time for the match against AC Milan. That leaves Lecce without the defender in an unexpected blow, given he had been among the possible starters for the Salento side.

Eusebio Di Francesco also confirmed the defender's absence in his pre-match interview with Dazn: "At the end of training yesterday he picked up a small physical problem with his neck, which did not even allow him to head the ball comfortably. We thought we would be able to recover him for today, but we did not manage it."

The centre-back will miss a game he could have played in the opposite colours. AC Milan chased him for much of the summer, helped by their relationship with his agent Jorge Mendes, but Lecce eventually resisted the Rossoneri advances. Tiago Gabriel stayed in Salento and recently renewed his contract with the Giallorossi club until 30 June 2030, with a pay rise.