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The Belgian striker has not been utilised by the Serie A champions but could be given an extended spell in the team following the French forward’s setback
Divock Origi could be set to play a key role for AC Milan for the remainder of the season following an injury to Olivier Giroud as the Rossoneri made it to the Champions League semi-final.
Origi replaced Giroud after 68 minutes of Tuesday’s quarter-final tie against Serie A rivals Napoli as Milan secured a 1-1 draw to advance to the last four following a 2-1 aggregate win.
Giroud's first-half strike proved the difference as Milan progressed past Napoli, who pulled a late goal back through Victor Osimhen at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Inter Milan could await in the next knockout round for Stefano Pioli's side if the Nerazzurri can overcome Benfica on Wednesday, Simone Inzaghi's side leading 2-0 on aggregate heading into the return leg at San Siro.
Origi has played a bit-part role this season, managing 22 appearances in all competitions since his switch from Liverpool in the summer, although most of the them have been off the bench.
Although the extent of Giroud’s injury is still not known, he could now lead the line at a crucial stage of the season with Milan fighting for a top four finish in the Serie A as well as European glory with veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic curtailed by injuries this season.
Meanwhile, Pioli was insistent on celebrating Milan's achievements in reaching their first Champions League semi-final since 2007 rather than looking forward to a possible meeting with city rivals Inter in the semis.
"I prefer to enjoy this qualification, whoever happens will happen," the Milan coach said at his post-match press conference when asked about facing Inter. "Whoever makes it through, it will be a great semi-final of the Champions League."
The last-four clash will mark Milan's seventh semi-final in UEFA's premier club competition, the joint-most from an Italian side along with Juventus since the Champions League rebrand in the 1992-93 term.
"Another big step that the group has climbed," Pioli added. "I thank the club for helping us and I'm happy for the fans who helped us to overcome difficult moments with their support."
Napoli have failed to progress from four of their five Champions League knockout ties, with their only success coming in the last-16 round this season against Eintracht Frankfurt.
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![Victor Osimhen now 1 goal behind Segun Odegbami on the top 10 Super Eagles all-time highest goalscorers list [2024]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/07092024/bf60f5be-dba8-4266-b7d1-eba64d09a879.jpg?operations=fit(600:))
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