Milan midfielder Boateng ruled out for four weeks

Milan: AC Milan have suffered another injury setback with the news that Kevin-Prince Boateng has been ruled out of action for four weeks with a muscular problem.

The Rossoneri released a statement on Monday evening revealing that the versatile midfielder had suffered a thigh injury in Sunday's Serie A defeat against Inter and will be sidelined for a month "unless there are complications."

Milan also gave an update on the fitness of goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, who was in obvious discomfort during the Derby della Madonnina.

"[He] is suffering from a muscle strain in his left calf and will be evaluated over the next seven days," the statement read.

The loss of Boateng is a major blow for Milan, given that fellow midfielders Gennaro Gattuso and Alberto Aquilani are also out of action at the moment, but the Italian champions have at least signed Genoa's Alexander Merkel on loan until the end of the season.

Milan said the move for the German midfielder is a temporary loan since Merkel's rights are jointly shared by Milan and Genoa. The 19-year-old Merkel made 10 appearances and scored one goal in all competitions for Milan last season. During the first half of this season, he played 14 times for Genoa.

Milan trail Serie A leaders Juventus by one point.

Posted in: news