Pato fit for Gunners tie

AC Milan will have Alexandre Pato available for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Arsenal.

The Brazilian sustained a knock to his knee during Saturday’s 1-1 Serie A draw against Lazio, but the European champions have confirmed the 18-year-old striker will be fit in time for the last-16 second-leg encounter at the San Siro.

The news will come as welcome relief for Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, considering Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf is a major doubt.

Seedorf sustained a hamstring injury at the weekend and is unlikely to recover in time.

Emerson and Marek Jankulovski also picked up injuries against Lazio and are both out for Tuesday’s match.

Despite these setbacks, Ancelotti remains optimistic his side will beat Arsenal and advance to the quarter-finals following last month’s goalless first leg.

“Milan versus Arsenal is a great encounter,” he said. “We arrive at this game having endured a difficult time but we will recover.

“I don’t know how this game will develop but I hope that in the end it will be us who end up smiling.”

The Rossoneri will be boosted by the return of defender Alessandro Nesta, midfielder Andrea Pirlo and playmaker Kaka, who have all shaken off injuries.