Milan sweat on Leao for UCL reverse against Inter

Milan coach Stefano Pioli has revealed that there is a ‘good chance’ that Rafael Leao should be fit enough to return to action against Inter in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday evening.

The Portuguese international hobbled off after just 11 minutes of the Rossoneri’s most recent Serie A fixture with Lazio last Saturday, just days before the first leg of the European derby.

Whilst there had been much speculation over his availability in the build-up to the Champions League clash, Leao was ruled out on Tuesday afternoon after undergoing last-minute fitness assessments at Milanello.

Leao will also be unavailable for Milan’s upcoming game against Spezia this evening, but Pioli revealed in an interview with Milan TV on Friday afternoon that the 23-year-old could mark his return in the second leg of the semi-final tie.

The coach told Milan’s internal media channels: “We have some minor problems, such as Rafa’s unavailability tomorrow, but there is a good chance he will be able to train on Sunday and be fit for Tuesday.”

“Zlatan and Florenzi are still out though and Krunic and Messias will also be unavailable tomorrow.”

Ismael Bennacer also suffered a serious injury during the first leg against Inter and requires surgery to repair the cartilage in his knee, which rules him out at least for the remainder of the season.

“With all our heart and affection, for the stage of the season we are at and the seriousness of the injury, this setback was unfortunate,” Pioli added. “But they are part and parcel of the risks attached to our job