GdS: Milan given huge Leao boost ahead of big game – the plan for Napoli

AC Milan have been given a huge boost ahead of two massive upcoming games against Napoli and Juventus: the return of Rafael Leao.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, and as was anticipated in the post-Lecce press conference by Milan’s assistant coach Marco Landucci, Leao returned to training with the rest of the squad on Thursday.

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He entered the field with a big smile, and if his right calf responds well to the demands of this morning’s session at Milanello, Leao will be included in the squad for Sunday evening’s big match against league leaders Napoli.

Caution still prevails

Rafa has been out since August 17, when he left the pitch in the Coppa Italia round of 32 against Bari shortly after scoring his first goal of the 2025-26 season. It was an issue that, at least initially, was expected to keep him sidelined until the return from the first international break earlier this month.

In reality, Leao was out for over 40 days. It’s best not to mess around with a calf issue or rush things unnecessarily because it’s a particularly delicate muscle. So, Leao waited until yesterday, but now he finally seems ready to contribute to the cause. Naturally, with a smooth return, likely from the bench.

It’s worth remembering that the Portuguese was injured in the summer, and getting him back to peak condition will inevitably take time. Meanwhile, for Massimiliano Allegri, it will be an additional weapon (and what a weapon) that he can use during the match.

Against Napoli, barring any surprises, the Livorno-born coach is expected to roughly stick with the line-up seen in the 3-0 victory over Udinese last Saturday, although Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christopher Nkunku remain candidates to start.