Milan hopeful Stam will be fit to face PSV
The Dutch defender suffered a muscle strain in a 3-0 win against Serie A rivals Parma on Saturday.
“We still have to do some tests. He wants to play against PSV and we want him there as well, but without risks.
“Knowing him, however, there’s cautious optimism,” said team doctor Jean Pierre Meersseman.
Milan have already lost their other first-choice central defender Alessandro Nesta to suspension, but missing this game would be a huge blow for Stam, who played for PSV between 1996 and 1998.
“I have to play because of Nesta’s suspension, but also just because I really want to be there,” he said.
Should Stam fail to recover in time Milan stalwart Alessandro Costacurta, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday, is expected to step in.
Milan’s other big injury worry, midfielder Andrea Pirlo, is almost certain to feature in the starting line-up after taking part in training as usual on Sunday.
PSV cruised to a 3-0 league win over Vitesse on Saturday and lifted their first silverware of the season.
Hiddink gave Wilfred Bouma, Lee Young-Pyo, Alex and Johann Vogel some extra rest as they were all bothered by minor knocks.
Striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is still recovering from a hamstring injury but is likely to start in the San Siro, while his most likely replacement Robert pulled out early with a calf injury during the Vitesse game.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
