AC Milan chief Paolo Maldini says they'll remain patient with Charles de Ketelaere.
The Belgian has struggled to settle since his summer arrival from Club Brugge.
Maldini told Sportmediaset: "One cannot think that a 21-year-old player, with a five-year contract, in which there has been a long-term investment, that a Coppa Italia match is the last resort.
"I think this is wrong, we must be balanced We have seen many times that we have to wait, the (Sandro) Tonali question has taught many a lot, these players are young and they have to find something different before arriving at Milan."