Milan have Kaka dilemma for Siena tie

MILAN

Kaka hopes to be fit for AC Milan’s Serie A clash at Siena on tomorrow (5pm) but a recent change of tactics means the Brazilian may have a battle on his hands to get back into the side.

The Brazilian playmaker, who turned down a world record move to Manchester City in January, has not played since injuring his foot in the 1-1 home draw with bottom club Reggina on February 7.

"As soon as I manage the pain, I will return, even though I will still feel a bit of pain," Kaka told reporters. "Until last week I was not managing the pain, I hope to manage the pain better in the next few games."

Fellow attacking midfielders Ronaldinho and Clarence Seedorf also missed last Sunday’s 3-0 home win over Atalanta, prompting coach Carlo Ancelotti to play two strikers instead of his preferred Christmas tree formation.

The ploy worked with evergreen forward Filippo Inzaghi, a rare starter this term, bagging a hat-trick and David Beckham enjoying a new role just behind the strikers.

Beckham, who has extended his loan from Los Angeles Galaxy until the end of the season, hopes to shake off an ankle knock to face mid-table Siena.

Kaka is also not a certain starter having been on the verge of a comeback for the last month before suffering setbacks.

Milan do not want to push him too much, especially as they will cope fine without him if they produce a similar performance to last weekend.

Critics say playing Alexandre Pato up front on his own with Kaka and Ronaldinho just behind is a tactic which has largely failed this season and is a major reason why Milan are third and 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan.

— Reuters