Milan’s preparations for Bologna have taken a significant hit. With Christian Pulisic getting back from worldwide responsibility, Santiago Gimenez desirous to proceed his scoring type, and Luka Modric settling into life in Serie A, coach Massimiliano Allegri hoped to lastly subject his strongest attacking unit. As an alternative, the Rossoneri have realized that one in all their most necessary stars won’t be obtainable for Sunday’s match at San Siro.
The absence is a merciless twist for Milan at a time when they’re nonetheless looking for rhythm within the league. After a gap day defeat to Cremonese and a restoration win towards Lecce, Allegri’s aspect face a Bologna group that defeated them in final season’s Coppa Italia closing. With such stakes, the unavailability of their most explosive participant creates a major problem.
The participant in query is none aside from Rafael Leao, who stays sidelined with a lingering calf damage. The Portuguese ahead first picked up the issue within the Coppa Italia conflict towards Bari on August 17, and although preliminary optimism steered he would return after the worldwide break, the restoration has stalled.
In accordance with La Gazzetta dello Sport, “Rafa Leao won’t be there on Sunday evening for Milan-Bologna. His proper calf continues to be not in good situation after the pressure suffered within the Coppa Italia match towards Bari. The optimism of the early a part of the break has given method to warning.”
The Portuguese has continued to coach individually at Milanello, present process remedy and customized workouts, however discomfort persists. The membership’s medical workers has made it clear: no dangers shall be taken. Their new goal is to have him totally match for the journey to Udinese on September 20.
Allegri’s choices with out Leao
With out their talisman, Allegri will flip to Pulisic and Gimenez to guide the assault. The American winger has returned from responsibility with the U.S. nationwide group, whereas Gimenez is excessive on confidence after scoring for Mexico in a pleasant towards South Korea.
In the meantime, Christopher Nkunku can also be edging nearer to health after his $42 million transfer to Milan. Nevertheless, the French ahead continues to be not match-ready, that means Allegri should use him cautiously, most definitely introducing him from the bench.
Calciomercato reported earlier this week that “Nkunku is closing in on his Serie A debut, however it’s not straightforward to think about him beginning. Allegri can have an choice off the bench no less than, to provide the travel-weary Christian Pulisic or Santiago Gimenez a relaxation.”
The larger image
Leao’s absence highlights simply how essential he stays at San Siro. Allegri fought off curiosity from Bayern Munich and Barcelona this summer season to maintain the 26-year-old at San Siro, betting that his creativity and tempo could be central to the group’s revival. Now, followers should wait longer to see him again in motion.
The damage additionally underscores Milan’s fragile attacking depth. Their uneven begin — a shock defeat adopted by a restoration win — reveals how a lot they depend on star energy. With Bologna subsequent, a aspect that has brought about them issues in latest historical past, the membership’s potential to manage with out Leao will seemingly proceed to be examined.
