PSV Eindhoven is set to host AC Milan this Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs. The young Belgian talent of Moroccan descent, Zakaria Bakkali, who plays for PSV, could have posed challenges for the Milan defense. Unfortunately, the coach of the Dutch club, Philip Cocu, will have to navigate the match without the services of the 17-year-old striker.
Bakkali, dealing with a persistent groin injury, will be sidelined for this crucial encounter. The decision was made after the last closed-door training session on Monday, as reported by Belgian media. The Belgian-Moroccan player has not yet fully recovered from the groin discomfort that had previously led to his absence in the Belgium-France friendly match a week ago.
Despite the setback, PSV Eindhoven, having already played three league matches with an impressive record of three wins, 11 goals scored, and two conceded, along with two European preliminary round matches against Zulte-Waregem, appears to be ahead in terms of physical preparation. This could pose a challenge for AC Milan, who will be playing their first official match of the season.
