CM: Caution and two big games to target – what Allegri’s words on Leao really meant

Massimiliano Allegri was predictably asked about the condition of Rafael Leao during his pre-Udinese press conference.

Leao has been sidelined for 33 days at present. The forward missed the first three league games of the season, will be out of the Udinese fixture and is also a doubt for the one against Napoli in just over a week.

Allegri said in his conference: “Leao is progressing well, we hope to have him back next week and available for Napoli. He’s been out for a long time, we’ll have to evaluate him. Maignan is fine, he’s calm. He’ll be in goal against Lecce on Tuesday.”

Napoli or Juventus

As Calciomercato.com recall, Allegri also identified tomorrow night’s match as one of four crucial fixtures in the course of the league season. It’s certainly not a decisive test, but it’s still a big early season test against a side full of confidence, but there will be no Leao.

Photos: Yong Teck Lim + Richard Pelham/Getty Images

The calf is a very delicate muscle, so Rafa and the medical staff are proceeding with caution. Leao’s way of playing heightens the risk, given that his darting runs require quick changes of direction and explosive speed.

The Portuguese has been following a personalised program all week. With the Coppa Italia match scheduled for next Tuesday at San Siro against Lecce, it’s easier to assume Leao will return to full training the next day.

Allegri’s goal is to get him back to peak physical condition over the next 10 days and have him in top form against Juventus on October 5. Everything will depend on the muscle’s responses to the increase in workloads, with Napoli not yet ruled out.