Rafael Leao is in doubt for the first leg of the Champions League against Inter after he came off with a muscle problem in yesterday’s win against Lazio.
As our colleagues at SempreMilan.it write, the Portuguese winger suffered an elongation of the adductor muscle of his right thigh and his condition will be monitored day by day. As a result, Stefano Pioli is already thinking about how to possibly replace him.
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The first hypothesis foresees the use of Saelemaekers on the left, as also seen recently, with Messias on the right. It would be a very conservative choice because the two players guarantee coverage and work rate, but the Belgian would find himself playing as an inverted winger.
The second option sees Rebic wide on the wing and Saelemaekers on the right in his natural role. It would be a great chance for the Croatian to redeem himself after a disappointing season, but it is also a risk to depend on him.
Finally, Diaz could play in Leao’s place, in a formula also applied against Napoli, albeit on the right. Diaz, Krunic and Saelemaekers (or Messias) would act behind Giroud in a very dynamic line-up.
Well, if you would actually watch Milan play, you would know that nowadays Krunic plays deep, nowhere near the striker.
Also, I’m willing to bet that Diaz is still the first choice for RW, so that leaves Saelemaekers or Rebic for LW. Based on recent form, I’d go for Saelemaekers.
No rebic or saelermakers for that left role
Sael was really good on the left. Not as creative but very decent. Messias was very good yesterday.
It hurts not to have leao, but we will be fine. I have a good feeling about this.
I would play Diaz on the left, Bennacer behind Giroud, and saelemaekers on the right. Rebic and Messias can come on late as subs for left and right, respectively. But the decision is the coaches so we’ll have to wait and see.
I would rather have Saelemaekers at LW for his defensive abilities to try to stop Dumfries.
If we can keep Barella, Brozovic, Dumfries and Lautaro quiet, then we have a huge chance.
Tonali, Krunic, Bennacer and Saelemaekers (if Leao doesn’t play) will be very key for our balance.
Diaz and Giroud will be crucial for goals and must be decisive in front of goal. I think Giroud needs to improve his first touch as he seems to misplace too many lately.
Very accurate, @JOHN THE BAPTIST. I agree that Martinez, Dumfries, Brozovic, and especially Barella need to be shut up. May I also add on that Rebic has been out of form a lot lately, and that we need a useful Striker. John, I would love your response to whom our backup Striker will be.
Well, looking at the current squad, if CDK could get his composure right, I see him more as a box player and should be considered as a CF candidate, he can easily win us penalties as his first and second touch usually seem good, but subsequent attempts prove otherwise.
At the moment, Origi’s characteristics suggests he be used as LW, but of course no way Origi is playing LW ahead of Saelemaekers.
So that being said, my suggestion is between CDK and Origi for CF backup, but I will still be sentimental and place a bet on Origi.
Wish we didn’t loan Colombo out though.
I would like rebic to play that role let rest saelermakers come as substitution
Come on guys ,leao is fine. Nothing like injury on him. He was being substituted early only as a precaution.
I agree, @Harry
If only we had a decent LB cover. Theo would be amazing at LW
Sael did great on the left against Lazio. Also, Leao isn’t exactly energetic… Milan seemed to go up a gear with Sael on the left.
Either way Rebic is too slow to play on the left.
Rebic because that’s the only way giroud will get a reasonable assist now that rafa leao won’t play.