AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli expects that Rafael Leao will be fit to start against Inter Milan on Tuesday.
Speaking to MilanTV, via MilanNews.it, the coach gave an update on the star forward’s fitness.
Leao missed out on the first leg of the two-legged Milan derby Champions League semifinal tie.
The 23-year-old Portuguese international had picked up an adductor problem last weekend in a Serie A match against Lazio.
Whilst the Rossoneri had hoped to recover Leao for the first leg against Inter, he was not even able to make the bench.
Leao’s absence was felt as Milan lost 0-2 to give themselves a mountain to climb in the second leg.
Accordingly, the question of whether or not the 23-year-old can recover will be a big talking point ahead of Tuesday’s match.
Then, there is the matter of whether or not Leao can be at his best after the injury.
A fully fit Leao would certainly be a boost to the Rossoneri.
Conversely, if the Portuguese is not available, or can only come on as a substitute and lacks match-fitness, it will be a blow.
Pioli Believes Rafael Leao Will Be Fit To Play Inter Milan
For his part, Rossoneri coach Pioli is hopeful that he can get Leao back fit and available.
Asked about injuries, the coach said that “Bennacer’s injury was not something we needed, both in terms of the part of the season we’re in terms of the loss.”
“Leao won’t be fit for the match against Spezia, but on Sunday he should be back training with the group, and then be available for the second leg against Inter,” he continued.
“The same that goes for Krunic and Messias.”
“The next four days will be decisive for our season,” Pioli said of the Rossoneri’s run-in.
“We have to win four matches to qualify for next season’s Champions League,” he added.
