El Shaarawy get European nod

AC Milan have included Stephan El Shaarawy in their 25-man squad for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

With a last-16 tie against Arsenal on February 15 fast approaching, Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has shown faith in El Shaarawy by naming him in the updated roster.

The 19-year-old forward joined from Genoa last June, and has begun to prove his worth with a string of encouraging performances early in 2012.

Veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi has not been handed a place in the squad and will not feature in the latter stages of the competition, despite confirming his decision to remain at San Siro and fight for his place in the team.

New signings Djamel Mesbah and Maxi Lopez have both been included, while midfielder Alexander Merkel is on standby.

The first leg of the Champions League round-of-16 showdown with Arsenal takes place at Milan’s San Siro home.