GdS: ‘Hope’ and caution – Leao’s injury proving to be irritating for Milan

The watchword with Rafael Leao’s calf injury has been ‘caution’, but eventually the fans expect to see him back in the AC Milan side.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, Massimiliano Allegri was careful yesterday when asked about Leao’s condition in his pre-match press conference on the eve of the Udinese game, responding: “We hope to have Rafa back against Napoli.”

The Portuguese forward has been sidelined with an injury to his right calf which occurred on the evening of August 17 in the Coppa Italia. It seemed to be a day to day issue at first, then it was thought he would be back after the international break, now things are dragging on.

Cause for concern?

Leao is still training separately, and won’t even participate in today’s trip to Udine , and at this point, next Sunday’s match against Napoli becomes his new focus. It’s no coincidence that Max is relying on a circumstantial ‘let’s hope’ but added that he is ‘progressing well’.

At Milanello, there’s confidence in having the No.10 back on the bench at least for the big match against the Italian champions. Before that, Mike Maignan will be back, having already played in the Coppa Italia against Lecce (Tuesday evening).

The French goalkeeper, who left San Siro on crutches after the match against Bologna with a problem in his right calf, hasn’t suffered any serious issue and will be spared against Udinese only as a precaution.