Rafael Leao Injury Return Date Revealed In AC Milan Boost
Scans revealed the full extent of the forward's muscle strain.
AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has been given an earlier-than-expected return date after suffering a muscle injury.
Rafael Leao Could Play In Italian Super Cup
Leao was forced off during Milan’s 3-2 victory against Torino on Monday night shortly after the half-hour mark, and was spotted grimacing while holding his groin area.
He had an ice pack wrapped around his thigh, leaving the club with a nervous wait while he underwent tests.
However, in a significant boost, the scans revealed he had avoided a major injury.
Initial concerns that he had pulled his right adductor – a scenario which would have kept him out of action until the New Year – were quickly allayed, and Leao could now return in a matter of weeks.
A Milan statement read: “The MRI scan Rafael Leao underwent today following the strain in his right adductor muscle he suffered during the Torino-Milan match ruled out any muscle injuries.
“Leao has already begun the necessary treatments to resolve the inflammation.”
According to various reports in Italy, the 26-year-old will likely miss Sunday’s Serie A match against Sassuolo. He could, though, join his team-mates for the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for December 18-22.
His inflammation will be monitored day by day before a final decision on his availability is made.
There is confidence he will be able to play a part in the semi-final against Napoli on December 18.
Rafael Leao Crucial In Milan’s Super Cup Bid
Leao, a Premier League and LaLiga target, has already been sidelined this season, having suffered a calf issue in Milan’s very first competitive match – a 2-0 victory against Bari in the Coppa Italia.
Despite the problem seemingly relatively innocuous, it kept him on the treatment table until September 28.
After scoring five league goals this season, Leao will prove decisive in the club’s bid to win the Super Cup.
Milan will first take on Napoli, and should they progress, would play either Bologna or Inter Milan in the final.
Dan Davis
Dan is an experienced sports journalist and part-time lecturer. An expert on Serie A and Italian football, he has produced content for the likes of the Daily Mail, Reach PLC, GiveMeSport, FourFourTwo and GRV Media. While Channel 4's iconic Football Italia was a bit before his time, the nostalgia - and pastries - fuelled his love of all things Calcio.
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