A lot of the headlines in the build-up to the Champions League derby between AC Milan and Inter are regarding Rafael Leao’s fitness and his future.
According to what Antonio Vitiello has written for MilanNews and as we reported too, Leao is ‘one step away’ from renewing his contract. The final details to be sorted out with his agents, but the work of Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara will end with a signature from the Portuguese winger.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
Vitiello also adds that there was synergy with CEO Giorgio Furlani making it a full management effort, and Leao will soon sign a multi-year extension worth €6.5m net per season including bonuses.
The fine issue is also being resolved with a transaction between Sporting CP and Lille, so the next few days are expected to be the decisive ones with an announcement to follow.
Regarding his condition, a final decision will be made a few hours before the derby. The adductor problem is not serious and there is ‘still some small hope’ that he could feature against Inter tomorrow, probably on the bench.
However, Leao will certainly be fine the return game on May 16 so risks will not be taken. In the event that he is not quite ready to play tomorrow, Saelemaekers will play on the right instead .
Let him
Rest and play return leg he don’t need to be rushed now and go back finally