epa10617056 AC Milan’s Rafael Leao (L) attends during a training session of the team in Milan, Italy, 09 May 2023. Milan will face Inter in the UEFA Champions League semi-final, 1st leg soccer match on 10 May 2023. EPA-EFE/MATTEO BAZZI

Rafael Leao was still out on the training pitch at Milanello while the rest of the Milan squad arrived at the team hotel on Tuesday morning ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg. 

Stefano Pioli’s players were recorded entering the Melia hotel at around 10.00 local time (9.00 UK time). Ismael Bennacer was the first through the door and the squad have since sat down for breakfast together, however there was a particularly notable absentee.

It is understood by Emmanuele Baiocchini of Sky Sport Italia that Leao is still carrying out decisive tests to understand whether or not he will be able to play any part in Wednesday evening’s Derby della Madonnina. 

According to reports, the deadline to decide whether or not the Portuguese international will be available is around lunchtime today.  

Leao was withdrawn after 11 minutes of Milan’s recent 2-0 win over Lazio on Saturday afternoon, leaving Rossoneri supporters anxious about his availability for the European clash given the lack of time to recover. 

However, Leao remained adamant in the days following his injury that he would do everything to play his part in the European derby. 

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