AC Milan CEO: Alexandre Pato’s injury recovery is a gradual process

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has stressed that Alexandre Pato’s injury recovery is a gradual process.

• Mano Menezes: Pato must resolve injury problems
• AC Milan striker believes Pato is potentially one of the best players in the world

The 23-year-old is yet to make an official appearance for the Rossoneri this season due to an abductor complaint.

However, the Seleção forward is set to make his comeback against Lazio at the weekend after being included in Massimiliano Allegri’s 21-man match squad.

However, Adriano Galliani has stated that they won’t rush Pato into making a return.

He said: "Pato is in good shape and he has been training well since his return to the training ground.

"However, we should not forget that he has been out of action for a long time, and his comeback is a gradual process.

"It's up to coach Massimiliano Allegri to decide how he will use him."

Brazil coach Mano Menezes recently stated that Pato has "extraordinary quality" but says the AC Milan forward needs to resolve the injury problems that have hampered his career.

He said: "I'm looking forward for his return on the field, but the more important thing is that he heals once and for all."

Pato was restricted to just 11 league appearances last season due to a string of injuries and continued problems.

Saturday's Serie A match at the Stadio Olimpico is scheduled to kick off at 19:45 BST.