During his press conference earlier today, Massimiliano Allegri confirmed that Rafael Leao will miss the game against Udinese as well, targeting the Napoli clash instead.
Leao sustained an injury in the Coppa Italia clash against Bari on August 17. While it was initially believed to be a minor injury, his return hasn’t just been delayed once, but twice, as Allegri confirmed he likely won’t be available against Udinese either.
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The manager was asked to give an injury update during today’s press conference, on the eve of the clash against Bologna. While Leao and Ardon Jashari are the only players on the injury list, the winger’s delayed return certainly isn’t ideal.
“Leao has a problem with his soleus. Stretching or straining it doesn’t make any difference, it’s a complicated muscle. He won’t be available tomorrow and I don’t think he’ll be available against Udinese. I think we’ll see him against Napoli.
“Estupinan is fine, he’s even recovered from jet lag. Pulisic is fine, he has no problem with his hand. The others are all fine, only Leao and Jashari are injured, and we’ll wait for them in due time,” he stated.
Hopefully, Leao will be back for Napoli as it’s a very important game for Milan. They can perhaps manage against Udinese, but even then, it would have been good for the No.10 to get one game in his legs before the big clash against the Partenopei.
Bad news re: Leao. They need his talent – he unsettles any defense and creates opening for Pulisic and CAMs. The midfield is going to have to create more openings with him out.
BTW – Leao is not a #10. He’s either a #9 with Pulisic as a 2nd withdrawn/central attacker or a winger.
Makes sense if Allegri thinks he can grind out results against Bologna and Udinese without MeravigLeao. Save him for Napoli.
Calf injuries are tricky. I tore my right calf first week of July and I’m only just now getting back to regular exercise. Of course, Leao is a professional athlete, much fitter and has the benefit of a sports organization behind him, but three weeks is still going to be too soon. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he comes back for the Fiorentina match after the October break.
I wonder if they’ve been rushing him 🤔
This ain’t the first time we see Max Allegri and many injured players in the same sentence. But I’ll give the benefit of the doubt for now