Milan manager Stefano Pioli talked to the press ahead of his side’s Champions League semi-final clash with neighbourhood rivals Inter and provided an update on key player Rafael Leão’s fitness.
Leão has been influential for the Rossoneri this season and because of his contributions, the club is set to offer him a contract extension with a pay raise. He has been the key man for manager Pioli in crucial games but the Portuguese sustained a reportedly minor injury in the early moments of Milan’s 2-0 win against Lazio for which he had to be subbed off.
Leão’s availability for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final was the talk of the town but now the Rossoneri manager has finally provided some relief to the fans about the 23-year-old’s condition. Speaking to the press as reported by Sky Italia, he said: “If he comes on the bench it’s because he can play. He has to stay 100% and everything is still open. Tomorrow morning he’ll try to push. Today he underwent personalized training: the Portuguese, unlike what he did yesterday, however, took the field dedicating himself to a run at a calm pace”
The possibility of Leão in the starting line-up cannot be ruled out as the player himself has assured the fans about his presence in the upcoming games after he was subbed off. The words of the manager and the player’s condition perfectly set it up that Milan will not miss their key player for the Milan derby.
Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN
