Rafael Leao was forced to miss the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals between Milan and Inter, and has no intention of missing out on the decisive clash next week.
The 23-year-old Portuguese winger did not take part in the Rossoneri’s 2-0 loss to the Nerazzurri on Wednesday after suffering a thigh muscle injury early into the win over Lazio last weekend.
Leao’s absence was painfully felt and Milan failed to impress against Inter, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second leg if they want to qualify for the final, where they’d face the winner of Manchester City-Real Madrid.
As detailed by Calciomercato.com, Leao wants to be fit and ready for Milan’s return clash with Inter and is working hard on his recovery in training.
In agreement with the club’s medical staff, the 23-year-old again carried out a personalised training session this morning at Milanello, working separately from his teammates. He will not take part in their Serie A clash against Spezia on the weekend.
Despite this, Leao and Milan are optimistic that he’ll be available for the second leg against Inter. On either Sunday or Monday, Leao will continue increasing his workload and will hopefully return to squad training, allowing him to build a little match fitness ahead of Tuesday evening.