AC Milan management are frustrated by the timing of the Asian Cup.
After a difficult first six months at Milan, Keisuke Honda has exploded this season under coach Pippo Inzaghi.
The Japan international striker has scored four goals and provided two assists so far this season to become the main man for Inzaghi.
However, Inzaghi and his staff will lose Honda later this season to Japan's Asian Cup campaign, to be held in Australia.
Milan expect to lose the former CSKA Moscow star for at least five games in January.
