AC Milan star Pato faces fitness race for crunch return with Man United

28 February 2010 18:47
Alexandre Pato will have an anxious race against time to be fit for the Champions League return leg against Manchester United next month.   [LNB]The Brazil international struck twice in AC Milan's 3-1 victory over Atalanta today but hurt his right thigh and left the pitch 15 minutes from time.[LNB]'We will have to wait 24 to 48 hours before knowing the extent of the injury,' said Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani.   [LNB] Mixed bag: Pato lies injured (above) and scores (below) against Atalanta[LNB] [LNB] The injury leaves coach Leonardo with a nervous wait as he prepares his side to visit Roma on Saturday before taking on United at Old Trafford on March 10.   [LNB]Milan must overturn a 3-2 deficit if they are to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.   [LNB]'Not to have Pato would be terrible,' said Galliani. 'We don't have anyone who can replace him. Without him, we would need to change our tactical set-up.'[LNB]Pato has been in superb form for Milan this season, scoring 12 goals in Serie A and two in the Champions League.  [LNB] Keith Harris tempts Manchester United fans with golden shareManchester United 2 Aston Villa 1: Wayne Rooney the Wembley wonder as Red Devils claim Carling CupJames Corden gives Man United stars an aerobics workout for Sports ReliefMANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail