AC Milan's Olivier Giroud cleared to face Liverpool in Champions League opener

AC Milan have been handed a boost ahead of their Champions League tie with Liverpool, as Olivier Giroud has been cleared to compete after testing negative for COVID-19.

The Frenchman contracted the virus last week and has been in isolation since that point, which saw him miss the 2-0 victory against Lazio on Saturday.

However, the striker has now tested negative and will undergo mandatory screening before he can return to training, which is part of the protocols set by the Italian government.

This will lead to Giroud being available on Wednesday night for AC Milan's first Champions League group stage fixture, which is an away trip to Anfield against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

It is a huge game for the club as it marks the first time the Italian team have been in the elite European competition since the 2013-14 campaign, and the experienced striker will be keen to feature.

Giroud won the tournament last season with Chelsea, and although he did not feature in the final, he was the leading goal scorer for the Blues with six goals.