MILAN: AC Milan's Champions League qualification hopes were dented Monday after Juraj Kucka and M'Baye Niang joined Giacomo Bonaventura on the club's casualty list ahead of a key series of games.
Kucka, a versatile midfielder who joined the seven-time European champions last summer, is set to miss this weekend's league clash with former club Genoa after suffering a muscle injury in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Udinese.
"Juraj Kucka has sustained an injury to one of the muscles in his front left thigh. The midfielder's fitness will be reassessed in seven to 10 days," Milan said in a statement on Monday.
French striker Niang has been a great addition to Milan's squad since returning from a successful loan spell at Genoa last year but is set for tests after suffering "muscle damage" at the weekend. Bonaventura missed the weekend fixture at the San Siro with a hip injury.
Milan's statement added: "As for M'Baye Niang, a medical report will be made in the coming days. Giacomo Bonaventura is continuing with his treatment for an injury to his right hip."
The absences could not come at a worst time for the fallen Serie A giants, who are aiming for a top-three finish having failed to qualify for the Champions League for the past two seasons.
Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic said last week Italy striker Mario Balotelli is fit only for substitute appearances, while French forward Jeremy Menez has yet to fully recover from a long-term injury.
Brazilian striker Luiz Adriano is also missing full match fitness, leaving Mihajlovic with few options in terms of partnering Colombian striker Carlos Bacca.
Milan sit in sixth place at 16 points behind leaders Napoli and six points behind third-placed Fiorentina.
After hosting Genoa next weekend, Milan travel to Napoli, who remain unbeaten at home this season.
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