Rafael Leao remains stuck in the pits, no Milan-Bologna

Rafa Leao will not be available Sunday night for Milan-Bologna. The right calf problem, a consequence of the elongation he suffered in the Coppa Italia against Bari last August 17, is still not over. After initial optimism during the break, Milan chose the path of caution: the striker did not return to group training on Tuesday and will not be there today either.

Leao still feels discomfort, and the enforced rest during the Portuguese national team commitments was not enough. The Rossoneri will monitor the situation over the next 48 hours, but the chances of seeing him on the field against Bologna are practically nil. The realistic goal is a return for the September 20 Udine trip.

Rafa’s start to the season has been peculiar. Allegri has placed him at the center of the technical project and is molding him into a new role: no longer an outside player wide on the left, but a modern center forward, ready to attack the goal by exploiting speed and dribbling. The first signs are encouraging: his header goal against Bari in the Coppa Italia is an example of a “real number 9.” His understanding with Pulisic looks promising, and it remains to be seen whether Milan will really be able to give up a classic center forward. Fascinating, too, is the possible combination with Nkunku: two quick players who like to start from the center-left and aim for goal.

And it is precisely on Christopher Nkunku that attention is now focused. The Frenchman is accelerating to improve his condition ahead of his official debut with Milan. A few days ago he had just half an hour of range, so it is difficult to imagine him immediately starting against Bologna. But the will to be there is strong, and at least in this case Allegri will be able to count on a concrete alternative.