AC Milan Injury News: Philippe Mexes To Begin Training with Milan on Friday

Despite the bountiful collection of injuries that AC Milan has picked up in recent days and weeks, there is a glimmer of good news as Philippe Mexes is ready to train with his new teammates.

Mexes, who joined Milan in the summer from rivals AS Roma, has been suffering from cruciate ligament damage, which he picked up in the derby with Juventus in March. Ironically, this was the game that followed his announcement to Roma that he would be leaving on a free transfer to the Rossoneri at season's end.

The 29-year-old Frenchman starts practice today and is expected to take the place of longtime Milan centre-back Alessandro Nesta, who has played alongside the likes of Paolo Maldini and now Thiago Silva.

Despite returning to practice, there is no timetable for when he will make his debut for his new club. According to reports, the club believe it is still "too early to say" when Mexes will don the No. 5 jersey for the first time.

Mexes is eager to start his Milan career.

"I am proud to wear this shirt and I want to honour it by showing what I can do," he told Il Corriere dello Sport."

He also admitted it has been his lifelong dream to be a Milan player.

"Had I been asked, as a child, where I would have liked to play, I would have definitely said Milan," he said. "It's my childhood dream come true. Milan boast the best track record in the world. I want to contribute to that."