Dida out, Kalac doubtful but Pato back for Milan

 Brazilian goalkeeper Nelson Dida, seen here in 2007, is out of AC Milan’s Champions League trip to Arsenal on Wednesday while Australian goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac is also rated as doubtful for the reigning champions.

Brazilian goalkeeper Nelson Dida is out of AC Milan’s Champions League trip to Arsenal on Wednesday while Australian goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac is also rated as doubtful for the reigning champions.

Teenage star striker Pato, however, is due to make his comeback to action after missing the last three matches with a knee injury.

But it is Milan’s goalkeeping situation that is causing them most concern.

Dida, who was first choice for most of the season, suffered a back problem at half-time of the weekend 0-0 draw at Parma, despite sitting on the bench, and has been left out of the squad altogether.

Kalac, who replaced Dida during mid-January and has put in a string of outstanding performances, dislocated a finger in training on Sunday and although he has travelled with the team to London, he is uncertain for the match.

A decision on Kalac’s fitness will be made on Tuesday but if he is ruled out third choice keeper Valerio Fiori, who has played just once in his eight seasons at Milan, will start.

However, Milan can at least call upon Brazilian Pato to return to the front-line to help Filippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino.

With Ronaldo out injured, Milan had looked toothless in attack against Parma on Saturday, despite the return of influential playmaker Kaka.

But with the youth, energy and pace of Pato, the European champions’ strike force should be much more potent.