AC Milan have received reassuring news on Mario Gila after the defender limped out of Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Celtic. Instrumental examinations have diagnosed a strain to the Spaniard’s right thigh but ruled out any serious lesion, easing concerns over the summer signing’s availability ahead of the club’s upcoming tour to Australia.
The 25-year-old centre-back, who recently completed a €25 million transfer from Lazio with potential bonuses rising to €30 million, was withdrawn early during the 2-2 draw in Glasgow after feeling discomfort in his right quadriceps. The incident occurred during his first official appearance in red and black and briefly threatened to derail Ruben Amorim’s defensive plans.
Gila was replaced by 18-year-old defender Valeri Vladimirov as a precautionary measure, with initial fears of a lengthy absence now allayed by medical tests.
Amorim plays down concerns
Milan coach Ruben Amorim immediately sought to calm fears following the match, insisting the withdrawal was precautionary rather than indicative of structural damage. “He felt something, but I don’t think it’s anything serious. I hope and think he will recover soon,” Amorim told Corriere dello Sport.
The Portuguese tactician’s assessment appears justified following scans that confirmed no major muscle tear. Gila is expected to remain with the travelling party as the squad continues pre-season preparations, avoiding the fitness worry that had threatened to disrupt the early weeks of Amorim’s tenure.
Camarda brace salvages draw
While the injury scare provided an unwelcome distraction, the match itself offered attacking encouragement for the new manager. Milan trailed by two goals at the interval following defensive lapses in the first half, but teenage sensation Francesco Camarda inspired a remarkable turnaround.
The 17-year-old striker netted twice within seven minutes of his introduction to secure a draw for the Serie A outfit. The result leaves questions to answer at the back, yet the character of the second-half response and the continued development of the club’s younger players offered Amorim valuable insight into his squad’s resilience.
Milan continue their summer schedule with further fixtures planned as they build towards the competitive campaign, with Gila now cleared to resume training pending full recovery from the minor strain.