Milan have Leao doubt approaching crucial Roma clash

Milan have been left with a doubt surrounding star forward Rafael Leao approaching the team’s crucial, top-of-the-table clash against Roma coming up this weekend according to Thursday’s reports. 

Leao underwent medical checks on Wednesday according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, after being withdrawn at half-time of his side’s 1-1 draw with Atalanta on Tuesday night. 

While those tests ruled out a serious injury, it is understood that the Portugal international is struggling with inflammation in his hip, which makes him a doubt for the Roma game at the weekend. 

The 26-year-old has only been fit enough to start in Milan’s last three Serie A matches of the season, following a calf injury that kept him out for over a month at the beginning of the campaign. He has scored three goals across those last three league starts. 

Thursday’s reports indicate that Leao will be a guaranteed starter if he is fit and available on Sunday. With Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez likely out of action for the Roma match, there could also be an opportunity for Christopher Nkunku, if not, for Ruben Loftus-Cheek. 

Pulisic and Adrien Rabiot are reportedly aiming to return to the group in time to face Parma on November 8. 

Summer signings Ardon Jashari and Pervis Estupinan have returned to first-team training on Thursday following their recent injury lay-offs.