Ancelotti buoyed by Rio blow
23 Apr 2007 - 11:35:45
AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti thinks that the possible absence of Rio Ferdinand will be a major advantage to his side when the Serie A giants face Manchester United in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Rossoneri play United in a first leg clash at Old Trafford on Tuesday before the return match at the San Siro next week.
Ferdinand limped out of Saturday's draw with Middlesbrough after suffering a recurrence of his troublesome groin injury and reports suggest he could be sidelined for two weeks.
An upbeat Ancelotti said: "If Ferdinand doesn't recover, for us, it will be a big advantage.
"But Manchester have big qualities and they will try to take advantage from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney's speed.
"They are formidable counter-attackers and, if we don't make the most of our possession, then that could create some problems for us."
Ancelotti has a doubt over goalkeeper Dida as the Brazilian is struggling with a shoulder injury, but the Milan coach added: "Dida has trained, but without forcing the situation.
"We will decide a few hours before the match."
Milan are in a rich vein of form after endurng a difficult first half to the season, and Saturday's 3-1 victory over Cagliari extended their recent run to just one defeat in their last 23 games in all competitions.