Michael Essien will start for AC Milan in their UEFA Champions League meeting with Athletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Essien, 31, will profit from a number of injury situation that has plagued the Rosonneri ahead of the visit of the high-flying Spanish side.

Alongside Keisuke Honda and Riccardo Saponara’s ineligibility has come injury to Stephan El Shaarawy, Valter Birsa, Robinho and most recently to Ricky Kaka, who picked up an ankle injury against Bologna on Friday night.

Sitting midfield positions will be for Michael Essien and Nigel de Dong, whilst Adil Rami and Daniele Bonerea look set for centre-back, with Ignazio Abate and Mattia De Sciglio at full-back.

The Ghanaian international was an unused substitute for Milan as they saw off Bologna 1-0 at the San Siro over the weekend.