Tuttosport: Cardinale expected to miss Europa League opener – Ibrahimovic ‘could be’ present

Tomorrow night, AC Milan will begin their Europa League campaign against Benfica in front of a packed San Siro crowd.

The game against Benfica is a huge one. It’s not a chance to dip their toes into the waters of the Europa League. Instead, it’s a difficult welcome back to European competition, not that that will change anything, though.

Ruben Amorim has already stated that it feels like a Champions League match, as opposed to the opener of Europe’s secondary competition. Considering what is at stake, too, it will not be looked down upon. It can still bring some big help for the club.

Cardinale to miss Benfica clash

Today, Tuttosport (via MilanNews) write that Gerry Cardinale is expected to miss the game at San Siro tomorrow night. He’s been present for every game so far this season, but tomorrow he will not be in the stands.

It’s not something to be concerned about, though, with him expected to be back at the stadium for Sunday’s game against Lecce. Nevertheless, it puts an end to his streak of being at games.

In his place, if that’s the way to put it, Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be back at San Siro for the first time this season to see Amorim’s side. Having been at Milanello on Monday, he could return to watch a game.