Pato nearing Milan return

AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato has set his sights on a return to action against Fiorentina later this month.

The Brazil international has not featured for the Serie A champions since picking up a thigh injury in a 1-1 draw with Udinese in September.

Pato was hoping to feature in Tuesday’s Champions League match at BATE Borisov, but the 22-year-old revealed it will take him two more weeks to be match fit.

“I am fine, I hope to be back soon with the group,” he told reporters. “I believe I will be available after the international break against Fiorentina.”

The striker also expressed his support for team-mate Antonio Cassano, who is set to undergo heart surgery.

“I went to visit Cassano,” Pato added. “We hope tomorrow’s (Friday’s) operation will go well.”

Milan sit in fourth place in the Italian top flight and will host Catania on Sunday.

They face Fiorentina on November 19.