AC Milan Make Rafael Leao Selection Decision For Italian Super Cup
The forward faces a race against time to feature against Napoli in the semi-final.
Rafael Leao will travel with AC Milan to the Italian Super Cup but could still miss the semi-final through injury.
Rafael Leao Super Cup Recovery Progress Slow
Massimiliano Allegri’s squad will jet out to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday ahead of their first fixture against Napoli on Thursday, December 18.
Their departure for Riyadh is expected in the next few hours, but the official squad list has not been announced.
There have been lingering question marks over the availability of several players, none more so than Leao.
The forward missed out on the 2-2 draw with Sassuolo after straining his right leg flexor against Torino on December 8. Scans quickly ruled out any long-term issues, but he is recovering more slowly than expected.
According to Calciomercato, Allegri’s optimism that Leao would make his return against Napoli has given way to caution. The 26-year-old is still not back to full fitness and trained individually earlier in the week.
For now, the indications are that he will be on the bench for the Super Cup semi-final at best.
Allegri specifically requested that Leao travel, and should Milan advance to the final, he could play.
Leao is a target for Arsenal after scoring six goals this season, and would be crucial in the bid to land the trophy.
Mixed AC Milan Fitness Update
It has not all been good news for Allegri, however. Matteo Gabbia is likely to miss out, having picked up a knee injury and been forced off at the weekend.
Despite the defender avoiding ligament damage, he is still experiencing pain and will not be risked. But, like Leao, he could make a last-ditch flight out for the final, depending on how he recovers.
Santiago Gimenez will certainly miss out and could require surgery on a niggling left ankle problem.
In a significant boost, Youssouf Fofana is available after being kept out of action by a minor muscle issue picked up in late November. He had missed out on the Super Cup quarter-final win against Lazio, as well as league matches against Torino and Sassuolo.
If Milan progress to the final, they would play either Bologna or Inter Milan on December 22.
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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