Milan, Rafael Leao reassures on recovery time
Rafael Leao took stock of his physical condition during the Gentleman Fair Play award ceremony. “Injury? We are working to return as soon as possible but it is an injury for which we cannot take risks” said the Milan striker from the stage of the event. The Portuguese also spoke about his possible tactical employment: “Me center forward? It is a position I know well, the coach has great experience and I am available to play point or outside”.
Leao’s injury dates back to last August, when the Rossoneri star had suffered an elongative injury to his right calf during the Coppa Italia match against Bari. After scoring a header on 14′, the Portuguese had been forced to ask for a substitution shortly after, giving way to Santiago Gimenez. The injury had kept him out of the’season opener against Cremonese.
In the weeks following the muscle problem, Leao had shown optimism about recovery. During a live Twitch with fans, he had reassured about his condition by saying he was “fine” and proceeding “step-by-step”. The player had also expressed enthusiasm for the ’arrival of Victor Boniface, calling him “the kind of player I like” and predicting “great things on the horizon” for the team.
Leao’s enforced absence had also created repercussions for Milan’s summer market. The club had had to reconsider the sale of Noah Okafor to Leeds United, as without the Portuguese and the Swiss, the Rossoneri’s attack would have been left with few alternatives. Massimiliano Allegri had found himself having to manage the’emergency with Santiago Gimenez as the only role forward, supported by Christian Pulisic and outfielders Alexis Saelemaekers and Samu Chukwueze.
In his last outings before the injury, Leao had shown signs of growth that had pleased Allegri. “He has raised the level of attention and his performances are much heavier” the coach had commented, adding that the player needed to “take better advantage of chances” but that he had “worked well” during the summer preparation. Now, however, after already missing Cremonese and Lecce, he will precautionarily not be there against Bologna either.
