Fonseca announces Rafael Leao’s return to Milan starting XI in Champions League

PARMA, ITALY - AUGUST 24: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on August 24, 2024 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca confirms that Rafael Leao will return to the starting XI for tomorrow’s Champions League match against Club Brugge.

The Portugal international spent 90 minutes on the bench in a Serie A game against Udinese on Saturday.

However, as Fonseca told Sky Sport Italia, Leao will return to the Milan starting line-up tomorrow.

“I can say that Leao will start. Gabbia trained today; he’s fit and a possibility for tomorrow. Not Abraham; he still has a problem. Let’s see if he recovers for Bologna.”

Fonseca announces Rafael Leao’s return to Milan starting XI in Champions League

Paulo Fonseca of Milan (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Leao was an unused substitute in Milan’s 1-0 win over Udinese on Saturday. Fonseca explained his decision, saying that Milan is “more” important than any other player.

The Rossoneri trained at Milanello this morning, where Matteo Gabbia worked separately on the pitch with a fitness coach.

Promising striker Francesco Camarda joined the first team and will be available against Club Brugge tomorrow as both Abraham and Jovic are injured.

Fonseca will hold a pre-match press conference shortly to provide the latest team news.

Milan have lost both their opening Champions League games against Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, so tomorrow’s home fixture against Club Brugge is a must-win for the Rossoneri.