If Milan are in poor shape going into the Champions League showdown, then Newcastle United are no better, losing 4-1 to Tottenham and with a massive injury crisis.
In order to remain in the tournament and reach the Round of 16, the Rossoneri need to win at St. James’ Park on Wednesday evening and also hope that Paris Saint-Germain lose away to Borussia Dortmund.
If the other result does not go their way, then a victory would at least give them third place and the chance to fight it out in February’s Europa League play-offs.
Milan fans know all too well that they are decimated by injuries that rule out Simon Kjaer, Malick Thiaw, Pierre Kalulu, Mattia Caldara, Noah Okafor and Marco Sportiello.
It means they have only one available centre-back, Fikayo Tomori.
However, Newcastle are in a similar situation and look to be going into the game without Callum Wilson, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barns, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff, Matt Targett, Elliott Anderson, Sven Botman and goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Of all those players, Pope might be the biggest loss, as Martin Dubravka looked very shaky against Tottenham, particularly when hesitating on the Richarlison goal.
This was their second consecutive defeat after a 3-0 loss to Everton.
Good to see money doesn’t always equal success re- Newcastle. As for Milan , they will be playing in the MLS in ten years , so no tears shed .