Rafael Leao Injury Update: Setback Delays Return, Rabiot Could Debut
AC Milan fans will have to wait longer for Rafael Leao's return as manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed another injury setback. Leao will miss the upcoming match against Udinese and is now targeting the clash with Napoli for his return. Meanwhile, new signing Adrien Rabiot could make his debut against Bologna if Christian Pulisic is unavailable.
Leao's Prolonged Absence
Leao initially sustained a soleus injury during the Coppa Italia match against Bari on August 17th. What was initially considered a minor issue has resulted in multiple delays. Allegri confirmed that the winger will not be available for the matches against both Bologna and Udinese. "Leao has a problem with his soleus. Stretching or straining it doesn’t make any difference, it’s a complicated muscle," Allegri stated during the press conference. "He won’t be available tomorrow and I don’t think he’ll be available against Udinese. I think we’ll see him against Napoli."
The absence of Leao is a blow to Milan, particularly with the important game against Napoli on the horizon. While they might manage against Udinese, having Leao back to full fitness before the Napoli match would have been ideal. Allegri also provided updates on other players: "Estupinan is fine, he’s even recovered from jet lag. Pulisic is fine, he has no problem with his hand. The others are all fine, only Leao and Jashari are injured, and we’ll wait for them in due time."
Pulisic Doubt Could Open Door for Rabiot
Reports suggest that Allegri is uncertain about Christian Pulisic's availability for the Serie A match against Bologna. This doubt stems from Pulisic's involvement in an international friendly for the USA against Japan, followed by a long journey back to Europe. The limited recovery time could prevent him from starting. Ardon Jashari also remains unavailable through injury, adding to Milan's selection concerns.
If Pulisic is unable to play, Adrien Rabiot, a deadline day signing for Milan, could make his debut. According to Sky Sport Italia, Allegri is considering starting Rabiot in midfield and pushing Ruben Loftus-Cheek into an attacking role alongside centre-forward Santiago Gimenez. This potential debut could see Rabiot facing off against his former Marseille teammate, Jonathan Rowe, who recently joined Bologna. The two players were reportedly sold by Marseille after a serious fight that Mehdi Benatia described as “utter chaos,” requiring intervention from stadium security.
