Milan Star Rafael Leao Set To Miss MD2 Clash Against Lecce

The latest Rafael Leao injury update has indicated that the Milan star is likely to miss the MD2 clash against Lecce. 

Leao missed the season opener against Cremonese on August 23. Goals from Federico Baschirotto and Federico Bonazzoli gave the newly-promoted side a surprise 2-1 win at the San Siro.

Santiago Gimenez filled the void left by Leao but was unable to find the back of the net alongside Christian Pulisic. Now, the makeshift forwards could potentially start again on Friday.

Rafael Leao Injury Update

Earlier this month, Milan’s Coppa Italia victory was marred by an injury to Rafael Leao. It wasn’t clear at the time how long Leao would be ruled out for.

Ahead of the Cremonese clash, it was confirmed that the Rossoneri star would definitely miss the game. Supporters were quietly confident it would just be the one game he missed.

However, his calf strain appears worse than first feared. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Portugal international is training on his own which implies he’ll sit out the trip to Lecce as well.

The fact Leao is able to run and carry out light exercises does suggest that he should be passed fit for the home clash against Bologna after September’s international break.

Who Will Replace Rafael Leao Vs Lecce?

As it stands, Santiago Gimenez is likely to keep his place up front. New head coach Max Allegri has opted for a 3-5-2 lineup in his first two competitive games of 2025-26.

In the Coppa Italia win over Bari, Rafael Leao was given the nod to start in attack with Christian Pulisic. Leao’s calf injury appeared to occur during the celebration of his opening goal. Gimenez came on to replace him.

And now, the Mexican international is expected to be given more game time. That despite his largely disappointing performance in Serie A on MD1.

Gimenez joined Milan during the 2025 winter transfer window from Feyenoord for a reported fee of €32million. The 24-year-old went on to score six times in 19 appearances last season.

When Will Rafael Leao Return?

An exact return date hasn’t been provided by Milan for Rafael Leao’s return. The fact he is at least training indicates the Bologna fixture on September 14 is a realistic fixture to feature in.

Calf strains can vary in terms of time spent on the sidelines. However, Leao’s isn’t as serious as some other injuries of the same nature.

The 26-year-old isn’t likely to be called up to the Portugal roster for the upcoming fixtures against Armenia and Hungary.

Therefore, that will allow for extra time to recover.