Mike Maignan leaves Liverpool game in floods of tears after devastating injury

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan left the pitch in tears during Liverpool ’s 3-1 win over the Italian giants to open their 2024-25 Champions League campaign.

On Tuesday, Maignan twice went down seeking treatment for two different injury concerns in the first half. The French No. 1 goalkeeper required support from the medical staff just moments after the Rossoneri had taken the early lead through Christian Pulisic’s angled drive within the first few minutes.

Maignan appeared to have problems with his right knee and continued after several minutes of being attended to with treatment and checks. The 29-year-old went to ground again before the first half concluded, suffering from an ankle problem which he appeared to sprain following a clearance.

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As a result of his ailments, Maignan clearly struggled when trying to play out from the back, as his ankle and knee hindered his mobility. This was evident in the two goals Milan conceded, with Maignan struggling to jump to react to headers from Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk on set pieces.

Maignan was still able to make several saves in the first half, while Mohamed Salah hit the bar twice. Early in the second half, Maignan bravely rushed out to deny Diogo Jota, colliding with both the Portugal international and center-back Fikayo Tomori.

The incident caused a cut and saw Maignan limp off the field in floods of tears. With Marco Sportiello is also out injured, Milan turned to 19-year-old Lorenzo Torriani, who made his professional debut.

Dominik Szoboszlai added a third for Arne Slot’s side later in the second half, but Torriani was hardly at fault and could do little to prevent the strike. The severity of Maignan's injury is currently unclear, including whether he will miss any time in Serie A or the Champions League going forward, and if Torriani will get more time to prove his worth.

Since joining Milan from Lille OSC back in 2021 for a little over €16m, Maignan has gone on to establish himself, not only as No.1 for the Rossoneri but also for the France national team, in the wake of the retirement of former Les Bleus captain Hugo Lloris.

During Monday’s pre-game press conference, Alisson heaped praise on Maignan, saying: “Tomorrow (Tuesday), we are coming up against a great goalkeeper. He has been at the best level for five years now. He has been good since he arrived at AC Milan; he is good for the France national team. He has perfectly replaced a great goalkeeper, a world champion Hugo Lloris. It isn’t easy but he has done very well.”

Alisson added: “He is physical, quick, he has clean technique. He is very strong. He is one of the best in the world. The quality of goalkeepers has really increased – Mike Maignan is within this elite.”

Liverpool face Bournemouth in the Premier League in their next match on Saturday, Sept. 21. The Reds’ second matchday in the revamped Champions League format will come against Bologna at Anfield on Wednesday, Oct. 2.