AC Milan Transfer News: Alexander Merkel To Return to Club from Genoa Loan

AC Milan have announced that they have brought back midfielder Alexander Merkel from Genoa, according to the club's website.

"A.C. Milan communicate that they have taken Alexander Merkel on loan from CFC Genoa."

Merkel joined the AC Milan youth system in 2008 after five years with Stuttgart. The German made a great impact in the youth ranks as he helped Milan to it's first Coppa Italia Primavera in 25 years in 2010. The soon-to-be 20-year-old made his debut Dec. 8, 2010 in the Champions League against Ajax. He appeared 10 times overall during the 2010-11 season, scoring in Coppa Italia against Bari.

Milan saw Merkel as a star for the future, but wanted him to gain more experience. They decided to make a co-ownership deal with Genoa that also involved Stephan El Shaarawy. For the first half of the season, Merkel has been with Genoa, making 13 appearances with two assists. El Shaarawy has played eight times and scored once.

Despite being behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Pato in the pecking order at Milan, El Shaarawy is hopeful of remaining at the club and proving himself.

Merkel's return could not have come at a better time for Milan. A player capable of also playing at the trequartista spot, he could become an instant contributor.

Kevin-Prince Boateng will be out for four weeks and will miss the first match against Arsenal. Mathieu Flamini, Gennaro Gattuso, Alberto Aquilani and Clarence Seedorf are also hurt, leaving the midfield depleted with only Merkel, Mattia Valoti, Antonio Nocerino, Urby Emanuelson, Massimo Ambrosini and Mark Van Bommel healthy.

Merkel will wear No. 37 for Milan and may play on Sunday against Novara.