Rafael Leao: Progress & potential return date for Milan star ahead of Champions League semi-final

The match director in charge of the broadcast for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Milan and Inter couldn't help but be drawn to the glittering array of sporting royalty dotted around San Siro.

The Champions League-winning captain Paolo Maldini cast his eye over Milan's 2-0 loss to their arch-rivals from the same crowd which also contained Samuel Eto'o, Andriy Shevchenko and even tennis icon Novak Djokovic.

Unfortunately for all Rossoneri fans - which Djokovic considers himself to be - Rafael Leao was also part of the all-star cast on the sidelines.

After limping off inside the opening quarter-hour of Milan's victory over Lazio on Saturday 6 May, Leao missed his side's subsequent two matches, including the first-leg loss against Inter last Wednesday.

With Inter’s support set to dwarf Milan’s allocation on Tuesday night, they may need Leao more than ever. Here’s everything you need to know about the forward’s injury status.

What injury has Rafael Leao got?

Leao has been nursing a thigh injury, specifically the group of muscles known as the adductors, over the last ten days.

The only previous matches Leao sat out this season were due to suspension. Manager Stefano Pioli also benched his star winger when switching to a back-three system as January bled into February but invariably turned to the 23-year-old with Milan trailing.

Leao has failed to feature in four club games this season. In his absence, the Rossoneri have lost each and every one.

Ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg, Leao promised: "Don’t worry about my injury, I’ll be back soon.” However, 'soon' hasn't proved anywhere near fast enough.

What Milan games will Rafael Leao miss?

Pioli was concise with his latest update ahead of the second leg, offering two words: “He’s better.”

The Milan manager added: “[Rade] Krunic and [Junior] Messias are too. If everything goes as it should, they’ll be available for training later and for tomorrow.”

It is easy to be blinded by the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter on Tuesday night. Yet, Milan have a batch of fixtures which may be even more important in the long run.

With just three games of the Serie A season still to play, Milan have slipped to fifth place, four points adrift of Lazio in the final Champions League qualification slot. Four days after the emotionally draining decider against Inter, Milan will have to refocus for the visit of already-relegated Sampdoria.

A daunting trip to Turin awaits on the penultimate weekend of the season. Juventus may sit second but are not yet guaranteed of Champions League qualification themselves.

The Rossoneri conclude the season against 18th-placed Hellas Verona. As Spezia, who sit one position above Verona, proved by earning a shock 2-0 victory against MIlan last weekend, relegation-threatened opposition are not accommodating foes at the end of the season.

Milan's upcoming fixture list

Who could replace Rafael Leao?

Leao is Milan’s leading scorer and most prolific assist provider this season. In the Champions League, the fleet-footed forward has completed more than twice as many take-ons as any other teammate in the competition. There is no other player in the squad as decisive.

If Pioli is forced to look elsewhere, the former Inter manager may turn to Alexis Saelemaekers. The Belgian winger is more industrious than dexterous and started in place of Leao last week. Divock Origi replaced Saelemaekers before the hour mark and knows the sensation of scoring a goal in a Champions League final.

However, Origi has found the net in European competition just once since sealing the 2019 final for Liverpool and is yet to get off the mark in the Champions League while wearing Milan's red and black stripes.

Junior Messias was playing in Italy's third tier in 2019 and represents another forward alternative that would struggle to emerge from Leao's shadow.

On this edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth discuss Chelsea's likely appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, the carnage at Tottenham and Harry Kane's next steps, David de Gea and Harry Maguire's Man Utd futures, Lionel Messi's impending Barcelona return & more!

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