Rafael Leao also at risk for Milan-Verona: return postponed again
Rafa Leao is in danger of not even playing against Verona. At the moment, in fact, the hypothesis of an attack composed of the two former Chelsea players Pulisic and Nkunku is taking shape more and more. The Portuguese striker has been out of action since Dec. 8, when he suffered a muscle soreness in the right adductor in Turin: after 18 days he is still not in top condition. Leao has already missed the matches against Sassuolo and Napoli and, in all likelihood, would also have to forgo a possible Super Cup final.
The final decision will be up to Massimiliano Allegri, who will clear the doubts in the eve training. Milan will take the field on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and there will be no room for last-minute tests. The alternative plan is already defined: Nkunku and Pulisic together, as seen in the Super Cup semifinal against Napoli in Riyadh. Not only attack. Allegri must untie other knots in the next 24 hours. In defense, Gabbia’s absence seems to point toward the confirmation of De Winter, despite the very negative test given against Napoli in the Super Cup.
Niclas Füllkrug and Milan meanwhile are already beginning to get to know each other, on a day of celebration that for the Rossoneri fans is even more so thanks to a small, big news. Indeed, Massimiliano Allegri’s players had a normal day of training on Boxing Day as well. And, along with the rest of the squad, there was also the now former West Ham center forward, although for bureaucratic reasons his transfer to the Lombard capital has yet to be announced as official. But the deal is for all intents and purposes closed, so much so that the German could be on the field as early as January 2 against Cagliari.
Initially, in fact, the technical timing of the signing hinted at a postponed debut, with the striker forced to skip the away match in Sardinia against Cagliari and postpone his Serie A debut to January 8, when Milan will face Genoa at the San Siro. However, the FIGC has granted the Lega Serie A’s request to shorten the timeframe for signing new players.
It will be enough to deposit the contract by 4 p.m. on Jan. 2 for Füllkrug to be allowed to take the field against the Rossoblù islanders. This will avoid “favorable treatment” for all teams that play matches in the same round on the 3rd or 4th of the month.
