Maldini out of semi-final
Wednesday, 02 May 2007 12:08
Maldini suffered heartbreak in the 2005 final against Liverpool
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AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has been ruled out of the Champions League semi-final, second leg against
Manchester United with a knee injury.
Maldini was substituted at half-time in the first leg at Old Trafford last Tuesday and the same injury looks set to keep him from playing any part in the crucial second match in the San Siro tonight.
Georgian international defender Kakha Kaladze will come in for the Italian veteran after he missed the first leg due to suspension, although he could face competition from Daniele Bonera for the left-back spot after he impressed last week.
While one talismanic player is certain to miss out, one other – Gennaro Gattuso – has been passed fit to play.
The former Rangers midfielder has been struggling for fitness this week but he has shaken off a minor knock to be considered ahead of tonight's crunch fixture.
Manchester United are set to make a last-minute decision on injured central-defensive duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, who have both returned to training after injury.
Sir Alex Ferguson may choose to risk the pair after defensive lapses from a makeshift central defence last week cost them two goals in the home leg to give them a precarious 3-2 lead on aggregate.