Rafael Leao groin problem: what AC Milan’s plan is ahead of Como
Rafael Leao is carrying a problem that AC Milan fear could become an injury.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 13 January 2026
AC Milan are managing Rafael Leao carefully ahead of Thursday’s Serie A meeting with Como, with the forward yet to fully recover from a groin problem.
Leao has been dealing with a problem in his right adductor, and Milan’s staff are keen to avoid it turning into a longer-term issue.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has been saying that Leao “is not at his best”, and his minutes have been controlled in recent weeks.
The Rossoneri’s meeting with Como will be especially crucial after two consecutive draws, but they don’t want to risk Leao’s knock getting worse.
Why AC Milan are being so cautious with Rafael Leao groin problem
Gazzetta dello Sport say Milan’s medical staff are ‘absolutely determined’ on preventing Rafael Leao from getting a sports hernia.
This issue, also known as athletic pubalgia, can develop if an adductor problem is pushed too hard.
Despite the groin issue, Leao’s form has stayed strong. He has seven league goals by mid-January, despite playing less than in previous seasons.
Leao has made 13 league appearances, starting 10 and coming off the bench three times, including a recent substitute role against Fiorentina.
Rafael Leão in Serie A:
105 G/A
62 goals
43 assists pic.twitter.com/9JCnDDTzvy— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) January 8, 2026
Gazzetta report that Leao has passed training tests, but matches are different. He does not always feel completely comfortable at full speed.
Leao’s game is built on explosive sprints. When he cannot fully open up, Milan lose one of their biggest weapons on counters.
In the last two games, he has had to hold back, playing more combination football and arriving in the box, rather than running clear.
AC Milan no longer as reliant on Rafael Leao as Como beckons
Goal have claimed that Allegri is considering starting without Rafael Leao again, keeping him as an impact substitute if needed.
Leao began on the bench against Fiorentina and came on after the break. This could well be the case again for the Como clash.
AC Milan’s options in attack are stronger now, which makes rotation easier. Allegri can call on Christian Pulisic, Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Fullkrug.
Nkunku has turned a corner at Milan, while Fullkrug and Pulisic are also pushing for starts.
Indeed, Fullkrug’s first Milan start saw him earn praise from the Italian press.
The final decision will depend on the next training sessions and how Leao responds. Milan will be assessing his fitness right up to matchday.
Strahinja Pavlovic may also miss the Como game, the Milan defender having suffered a head injury against Fiorentina.
As important as the Como clash is for Milan, the management does not want to risk aggravating the problems of some of their key players.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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