Rafael Leao is currently not expected to be able to start Monday night’s game against Napoli, forcing Massimiliano Allegri to change his plans.
As Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) writes, positive signs arrived regarding Leao’s condition from Milanello on Thursday, but it’s not yet clear whether they’re conclusive. The Portuguese has taken a further step in his recovery as he did solo work on the field, therefore finally leaving the gym.
This is good news for Allegri, but the coach still isn’t sure whether he’ll be able to count on the Portuguese for the trip to Naples and is therefore already considering counter-measures for Antonio Conte’s team.
More no than yes
As of now, Leao is more likely to miss the match against Napoli than to be called up. Theoretically, after individual training on the pitch, the next step is a return to training with the rest of the squad, but it’s not a given that this will happen today or tomorrow.
The feeling is that if Leao is back in training with his team-mates within the next 48 hours, there’s hope of seeing him in the squad. For now, however, the medical staff are treading carefully because he hasn’t been physically well all season and needs to recover 100%.
Allegri is also starting to consider his starting XI at Milanello, three days before the big match at the Maradona. Given that Leao will, at most, be available from the bench, one of the two starters will certainly be Christian Pulisic.
The American remains the team’s best striker in terms of seasonal numbers, even though he’s having a dry spell in terms of goals, which continued in the two matches against the United States. Despite this, and despite only being at Milanello today, Allegri will not drop him.
Three other players are competing for a spot alongside him. First and foremost is Niclas Fullkrug, who didn’t exactly catch the eye in his chance to start against Torino before the break. Then there is Christopher Nkunku, but he has slipped a bit down Max’s pecking order in recent weeks.
Finally there is Santiago Gimenez who returned to full fitness just two weeks ago after a long spell out of action. It remains to be seen whether Allegri – having had him available throughout the break – will feel comfortable sending him into the fray in such an important match.
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