UCL: Hernandez plays down Osimhen’s absence ahead Milan vs Napoli quarter-final clash

AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez has played down Victor Osimhen’s absence in Wednesday’s Champions League first-leg quarter-final clash with Napoli, insisting his injury will make no difference.

Osimhen sustained a muscle injury during the international break and is expected to be out for some weeks. The injury automatically rules the Super Eagles striker out of the first leg in Milan on Wednesday. But speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Hernandez said Napoli have other players who can replace Osimhen.

“It changes nothing for us,” Hernandez was quoted on Football Italia.

“Napoli have many strong players and whoever replaces him will do well.”

Wednesday’s game will be the third meeting between Milan and Napoli this season. In their last meeting in the league, Milan thrashed Napoli 4-0 at the Stadio Maradona. But Hernandez believes the Champions League game will be different.

“Tomorrow’s game will be different. Napoli are a strong team and we’ve prepared well.”

Milan are seven-time winner of the Champions League and last won it in 2007. For Napoli, this is the first time they will compete in the quarter-finals stage of the competition.