Captain Paolo Maldini is set to return for AC Milan in the Champions League final after being declared fit to play.

The veteran defender has recovered from a knee injury and Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is confident he will have Maldini available to play against Liverpool in Athens.

"Maldini is fine, if we were playing the game today (Monday) he would be on the pitch," said Ancelotti.

The former Italian international has struggled with numerous knee injuries in recent years and has already postponed a knee operation in order to play in the final.

He has his sights set on lifting Europe's top club trophy for the fifth time in his prestigious career.

Maldini's presence will be a big boost for the Rossoneri, who are hoping to avoid the same fortune against Rafael Benitez's men as in Istanbul in 2005.

Milan lost in a penalty shoot-out against the Reds, having given a way a 3-0 half-time lead. Maldini scored Milan's opener, in what was the fastest goal in Champions League history final, 51 seconds after kick-off.

Ancelotti confirmed prior to his team's arrival to the Greek capital that he already chosen his starting XI.

"I know who will play but I have not even told my players yet. All my players merit to play in this final but it's not possible," he said.

"I can say after Monday's training that my team is in good condition, ready to play on Wednesday."

The AC Milan coach admitted being in the final after a difficult season was already a dream come true.

The Rossoneri began the Serie A season with an eight-point deduction for match-fixing and had to go through pre-qualifying in Europe's elite club competition.

"To have gone so far represents for us a great achievement," added Ancelotti.

"We have had to work so hard in order to get here and few people believed we would be able to go so far. For that reason, I believe this is a dream."

PA Sport