This week, AC Milan will prepare for their game against Fiorentina as they normally would after an international break. There is a caveat, though.
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With different players away, Milan will resume full training on Thursday, with the full squad present. However, there is one man who reported back early, after being sent home by his national team: Rafael Leao.
The Portuguese was not seen to be in the best condition, so the decision was made to allow him to return to Italy early. So, instead of working with Portugal, he reported to Milanello for an afternoon session.
Milanello return
It is a head start on his teammates, and Leao needs it desperately. According to Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below), he has five days to secure a starting spot once again. From the off, he seemed dedicated, aware that he needs to start being consistent.
Yesterday, it was a case of personal work, but today he will join the group with Massimiliano Allegri, whose view of the Portuguese is changing from his summer pedestal.
Starter or not?
Against Juventus, he was not great, but it was his first full week of training back, so it can be excused a little. Whilst it doesn’t lessen the frustration about the result, it lessens the frustration regarding his actual performance.
If everything goes to plan this week, he will start against Fiorentina, but he needs to earn that place, with others also vying for a start. Christopher Nkunku started and scored for France in midweek, and if no change is made to the formation, it is difficult to change a working duo.
Should he start, the attacking ‘hierarchy’ would be restored; if he doesn’t, well, that suggests a technical choice from the man who was so keen to make him the man. We must see. It depends on Leao.
