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Rafael Leao scored the first goal of the 2025-26 season for AC Milan, but his joy was short-lived as he was forced off injured.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report this morning, Leao immediately picked up an injury shortly after putting Milan ahead with a header worthy of a true centre-forward. A calf problem forced him off the pitch, making way for Santiago Gimenez and leading to some worries.
Cautious optimism
After some initial concern, given the delicate muscle involved, the Milan dressing room expressed ‘cautious optimism’ about the Portuguese’s condition after the game, as per the paper. Initial indications from the Rossoneri’s medical staff suggest a stiffening of the right calf.
It’s unlikely to be anything serious, but before making any further statements, Milan are awaiting the results of the tests Leao will undergo in the next few hours to determine the full extent of his injury.
Saturday’s league opener against Cremonese at San Siro is unlikely to be in doubt, though the club specifies that Rafa ‘will be evaluated in the coming days’. It is a shame for Leao, who had started the season in the best possible way, namely with a goal after just a few minutes.
This season must be the one where he discovers that consistency, and from the first summer friendlies, Rafa has shown a completely different attitude than in the past: focused, determined, and eager to be decisive at every moment of the match.
The hope at Milan is that the injury is nothing serious and that he can return to the pitch soon, perhaps as early as Saturday against Cremonese.
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