The long-awaited news has arrived from Milanello on Thursday afternoon: Rafael Leao has returned to full training with the squad.
It has been a long ordeal for Leao, who has been out for five weeks now after injuring his calf shortly after scoring the first goal of the 2025-26 season in the Coppa Italia win over Bari. It was initially believed to be a small issue, but has turned into a length absence.
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Over the past few days, hopes have been growing that the Portuguese forward is ready to return. Massimiliano Allegri’s assistant Marco Landucci strongly hinted at it after Tuesday’s victory against Lecce.
“He couldn’t be there tonight… I think he’ll be with us in the group on Thursday, everything’s going well, so I think he’ll be available for Sunday,” he said.
Leao returns
MilanNews are reporting that Rafael Leao returned to training with the group today, as scheduled. He has fully recovered from the strained calf that forced him to miss the first four league gaes of the season, as well as the Coppa Italia round of 32 match in midweek.
It is excellent news for Allegri ahead of the big match at San Siro against Napoli. While it seems safe to presume he will only be able to play a part from the bench, they also do not rule out that he could be deemed ready ‘from the first minute’.
Welcome back leao, thank God you are better bcos I have personal missed everything about you especially your beautiful smiles…
I think it will be more cautious and wiser to start with Giménez first and then introduce Leão during the game depending on how the score evolves.
Until Tuesday, I would have laughed at this post, but now that Santiago has broken his duck, I struggle with the decision, and I think maybe giving Santi 55-60 minutes and then bringing Leao on against tired legs might be the way to go.
Yvan, if you would laugh at this you are special…Leao is coming back from an injury, every article mentions it twice. Is that something that you can’t understand or what? He was injured since August 15th, he won’t start the game because of that. Gimenez or anyone else has 0 to do with it.
I honestly trust Allegri on the choice, I was a bit skeptical but he does convince me with what I’ve seen, if he starts Leao it means he’s ready
I think the coach knows he’s boys better. So if he decided to start RAFA good!!!
Welcome back Rafa how I have missed ur play
How does he fit in now? If both him and Nkunku start on the bench, then Puli and Santi start. But does that mean Leao and Puli can’t be on the field together? So many questions…