Milan make Champions League case for Nesta and Pato

AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta and striker Alexandre Pato are battling to be fit for the first leg of the Champions League clash with Manchester United on February 16 (AC Milan 6/4 draw 11/5 Man United 8/5 Champions League Round Of 16 - match betting).

San Siro stalwart Nesta is carrying a hamstring injury and emerging striker Pato is struggling to shake off a muscle complaint and manager Leonardo could not give any guarantees they would make the visit of Sir Alex Ferguson's side to Italy.

"They're dragging on a little too much," he told Football Italia. "We will evaluate them over the next few days.

"First they have to train with continuity and then we'll understand what condition they are in. It's not only a clinical question, but a technical one as well."

The Rossoneri are 10 points behind leaders and bitter rivals Internazionale in the Scudetto and last month were knocked out of the Coppa Italia (AC Milan 11/8 Champions League 2009/2010 To Qualify For 1/4 Finals).