Youngster Francesco Camarda will start his first game for AC Milan in place of the injured Alvaro Morata during the trip to Cagliari in Serie A, Rossoneri manager Paulo Fonseca said on Friday.
Morata suffered a head injury during training on Thursday and was taken to hospital to undergo an MRI. The Spanish striker's condition is good, but he will not take part in Saturday's match.
“It was a strange situation, during training yesterday he collided with (Strahinja) Pavlovic. At first I didn't think it would be a big deal, but he's not ready to play tomorrow. He's fine, but he's not ready yet,” Fonseca told the media, Friday.
Morata was included in Spain's squad for the UEFA Nations League clash, with European champions coach Luis de la Fuente saying the player was fit, surprising Fonseca.
“I don't know why he said that. There is a protocol that indicates players must stop full training for 10 days. His participation in the Spanish match is not an option,” Fonseca also said.
Tammy Abraham is expected to lead Milan's attack in Cagliari after recovering from a shoulder injury, but Fonseca revealed he prefers 16-year-old Camarda.
“Morata currently has a very specific role, but Camarda is currently better prepared than Abraham to take over his function,” commented Paulo Fonseca.