GdS: Leao could miss first two Serie A games – Allegri forced to change plans already

Rafael Leao has avoided any kind of major issue with his calf, but it could still keep him out of the first two games of the league season.

La Gazzetta dello Sport describe Leao’s calf issue as ‘perhaps not a cause for concern, but not a small thing either’. Milan released the official medical report on his condition, and they confirmed he will definitely miss the Cremonese match on Saturday which is the Serie A curtain-raiser.

However, the report adds that he remains at risk for the first away game in Lecce too (Friday, August 29th). The report speaks of an elongation of the muscle rather than a tear, and he will be evaluated day by day ahead of the trip to Lecce.

A couple of minutes after the goal he scored against Bari, the Portuguese winger intentionally let the ball go off the pitch, sitting on the San Siro field, and then grimacing as he asked to be substituted. The cameras then caught him on the bench looking worried, then he left the field visibly limping.

Initial assessments suggested a very minor problem, enough to even suggest he could play against Cremonese. However, the medical tests revealed a slightly more complex picture, although it’s not a particularly serious situation.

The calf, however, is a tricky muscle and must be handled with great care even upon returning to action, to avoid recurrences. Rafa’s absence will force Massimiliano Allegri to adjust, perhaps playing Santiago Gimenez up front alongside Christian Pulisic.