MN: Leao returns to full training and will be available for Milan-Napoli

The long-awaited news has arrived from Milanello on Thursday afternoon: Rafael Leao has returned to full training with the squad.

It has been a long ordeal for Leao, who has been out for five weeks now after injuring his calf shortly after scoring the first goal of the 2025-26 season in the Coppa Italia win over Bari. It was initially believed to be a small issue, but has turned into a length absence.

Over the past few days, hopes have been growing that the Portuguese forward is ready to return. Massimiliano Allegri’s assistant Marco Landucci strongly hinted at it after Tuesday’s victory against Lecce.

“He couldn’t be there tonight… I think he’ll be with us in the group on Thursday, everything’s going well, so I think he’ll be available for Sunday,” he said.

Photos: Yong Teck Lim + Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Leao returns

MilanNews are reporting that Rafael Leao returned to training with the group today, as scheduled. He has fully recovered from the strained calf that forced him to miss the first four league gaes of the season, as well as the Coppa Italia round of 32 match in midweek.

It is excellent news for Allegri ahead of the big match at San Siro against Napoli. While it seems safe to presume he will only be able to play a part from the bench, they also do not rule out that he could be deemed ready ‘from the first minute’.