AC Milan hit with more coronavirus problems as Hakan Calhanoglu and Theo Hernandez test positive

AC Milan will be without Hakan Calhanoglu and Theo Hernandez for at least their next two games after the pair tested positive for Covid-19.

The club confirmed both players are asymptomatic after testing positive following tests on Saturday, with the rest of the squad returning negative tests.

The pair are isolating at home and will miss the Serie A leaders’ game against Cagliari on Monday as well as their tricky tie against Atalanta next week.

Theo Hernandez (left) and Hakan Calhanoglu (right) have both tested positive for coronavirus

They will hope the pair will available for their mouth-watering Coppa Italia quarter-final clash against rivals Inter Milan later this month. 

It is another blow for the Rossoneri with forward Ante Rebic and Rade Krunic having missed their last three games, including a 3-1 defeat to Juventus.

They continue to be hit with absences with Rafael Leao suspended and Matteo Gabbia and Ismael Bennacer also still out injured.

The asymptomatic pair will miss Milan’s next two games at least after tests on Saturday

‘There are important absences, but it is this type of season, problems can come at any moment, so we must be ready,’ manager Stefano Pioli told a press conference.

‘We’ve always doubled the energies in difficult moments. We are used to it, we are ready. I expect the players to always be ready, during training and matches. These are critical issues that must be addressed with determination and with the awareness of the strength of the team.

‘It’s a difficult season for everyone, not only for us. One month ago, everyone was available, it can happen to face these kind of situations. We’ve proved to be a united team, the club has provided a competitive squad. We are determined to overcome these difficulties.’

It is another blow for Milan manager Stefano Pioli, who has been hit with several absences

Milan are three points clear of rivals Inter Milan in Serie A and seven ahead of champions Juventus who have two games in hand with the pair to face off on Sunday evening.

Pioli is able to welcome back influential forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic after he was absent for Milan’s recent games. 

‘Ibra is so important for us, we all know his worth, he has overcome his physical problems and I’ve seen him well, he is ready to play tomorrow,’ Pioli added.

‘We must continue to work, the title of winter champion counts very little. We must be focused on tomorrow’s game, it is difficult, we must consider it the most important game of the championship.