AC Milan Left With Decision To Make Over Rafael Leao As Portuguese Star Faces Another Twist To Return From Injury

AC Milan have been left with a decision to make ahead of their upcoming clash against Udinese, as Rafael Leao nears a return from injury.

Rafael Leao Injury Update

Massimiliano Allegri will take his side to Udine on September 20th and the Rossoneri will not be able to call upon star man, Rafael Leao, as the Portuguese star continues his recovery.

Leao has taken part in an individual training program in the build-up to Milan’s clash against Udinese, but the match may come too soon for the Portuguese international.

The 26-year-old was forced off during Milan’s Coppa Italia victory over Bari on August 17th, after struggling with a calf problem and more specifically, a soleus injury.

During his absence, the Rossoneri have picked up six-points from the opening three Serie A matches, losing 2-0 to Cremonese on the opening day before beating Lecce and Bologna.

Allegri’s men have kept two consecutive clean sheets and looked to have turned a corner under their new manager, as the Rossoneri look to qualify for Europe this season.

The defensive lineup in Milan has taken a hit in recent weeks however, as Mike Maignan came off after 55 minutes against Bologna due to a calf injury.

Similarly to Leao, the French shot-stopper has returned to training but on an individual basis and is set to miss the clash against Udinese – with Pietro Terracciano set to start.

What Matches Could Rafael Leao Miss?

Milan’s upcoming clash against Udinese will come too soon for Leao, and Allegri revealed before Milan’s clash against Bologna that the Portuguse star could return against Napoli on September 28th.

Allegri said: “Leao has an issue with the soleus. Whether it is an elongation or a strain does not change anything, it is a dangerous muscle. He will not be available tomorrow, in my opinion he will not be in Udine either, I think we will see him against Napoli. The soleus is a dangerous muscle.”

Before the match against last season’s champions, Milan have a Coppa Italia clash against Lecce and Leao could feature in the matchday squad- but is unlikely to be risked.

The Portuguese international is expected to return to group training before Milan’s Coppa Italia tie against Lecce on September 23rd, but his position on the pitch is yet to be confirmed.

Alexis Saelemaekers has been utilized in Leao’s absence, as the Belgian continues to impress and is now in line for a contract extension in Milan.

There has been talk of moving Leao into a central position, as Allegri does not play with traditional wingers and Santiago Gimenez has not cemented his place up front.