Why AC Milan’s Lax Schedule Has Come at the Perfect Time For Injury-Plagued Rafael Leao

Rafael Leao injury news has been a constant for weeks, as he battles with an adductor problem that has seen his performance levels drop in recent weeks.

It is clear Rafael Leao is gritting his teeth whenever he steps on the field.

Leao’s persistent groin problem has threatened to keep him out of the side for weeks, but such is his importance to the team that Max Allegri believes he can still make a worthwhile contribution.

Allegri may be flying a little too close to the sun given Leao’s colourful injury history, which has now seen him sidelined on eight different occasions since arriving in 2020-21.

It is, however, nigh-impossible to keep him out of the starting 11 if he is fit enough to feature. Only Christian Pulisic has been more productive than Leao’s 10 goal contributions for Milan this season.

Rafael Leao Injury News Latest

Rafael Leao was criticised along with Christopher Nkunku in last weekend’s 1-1 stalemate against Roma, which has left Milan five points adrift of neighbours Inter.

Leao appeared one step behind everyone else, and that very fact has alarm bells ringing given he is typically the one who leaves defenders in the dust.

The adductor inflammation in his right leg still appears to be bothering the 26-year-old. The injury initially forced him off against Torino back in December, and subsequent medical tests were positive after a serious muscle lesion was ruled out.

Week 42 of asking Leao be kept off the pitch until he recovers

— LeGrenadier 🇭🇹 (@PoachersFinish) January 25, 2026

The inflammation does not appear to have subsided, however, and Leao’s minutes have been carefully after completing the full 90 on just one occasions since.

The Milan medical staff are intent on not exacerbating the injury, with fears that it could develop into a serious case of pubalgia; a type of hernia commonly found in athletes.

AC Milan’s Upcoming Fixtures Will Be Kind to Leao

Fortunately for Leao and Milan, the upcoming slate has fallen kindly.

Following the draw against Roma, Milan’s next game away to Genoa comes a full nine days after, giving Leao and the medical team a sizeable gap to try and reduce the inflammation.

However, there is yet more good news around Leao’s situation, with Milan’s Winter Olympics preventing the scheduled match against Como on matchday 24 from going ahead.

This means AC Milan have another 12 days between the Genoa match and a game against Pisa, so Leao will hope to fix what is clearly a burdensome injury.