The watchword with Rafael Leao’s calf injury has been ‘caution’, but eventually the fans expect to see him back in the AC Milan side.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, Massimiliano Allegri was careful yesterday when asked about Leao’s condition in his pre-match press conference on the eve of the Udinese game, responding: “We hope to have Rafa back against Napoli.”
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
The Portuguese forward has been sidelined with an injury to his right calf which occurred on the evening of August 17 in the Coppa Italia. It seemed to be a day to day issue at first, then it was thought he would be back after the international break, now things are dragging on.
Cause for concern?
Leao is still training separately, and won’t even participate in today’s trip to Udine , and at this point, next Sunday’s match against Napoli becomes his new focus. It’s no coincidence that Max is relying on a circumstantial ‘let’s hope’ but added that he is ‘progressing well’.
At Milanello, there’s confidence in having the No.10 back on the bench at least for the big match against the Italian champions. Before that, Mike Maignan will be back, having already played in the Coppa Italia against Lecce (Tuesday evening).
The French goalkeeper, who left San Siro on crutches after the match against Bologna with a problem in his right calf, hasn’t suffered any serious issue and will be spared against Udinese only as a precaution.
Seen this scenario before. Here’s how it will go down:
Media will start and paint him as an “always been” injury prone and also inconsistent player with highest salary and therefore a burden to this team and club’s books”.
Management already bought his replacement in Nkunku knowing very well Leao already maxed out on his salary under their cap and they must sell.
Soon after, the management offer him a lower salary in order to extend. He naturally refuses it, Gerryboys turn their backs on him and brainwashed by media start calling him “injury prone, inconsistent burden and we won’t be a team unless he leaves”.
Management get their fanbase backing. Divide and conquer.
Huh? His career speaks for itself. He’s rarely been injured regularly or for long periods. Maignan is a different matter. Recurring muscle injury in the calf for a keeper is very rare. Nos last injury came in a game where he made ZERO saves. Apples and oranges.
Maignan was 3rd in most minutes played last season among European clubs. Valverde from Real and Fernandes of United came 1st and 2nd.
Pretty good for someone everyone wants to sell due to his unavailability and constant injuries.
Media influence is real.
if he’s still training alone then he won’t be ready for Napoli