There was great anticipation for the new instrumental exams that Rafael Leao was supposed to undergo this morning. According to MilanNews.it, the results of the tests were positive: the injury sustained in the match against Lecce has healed. Now, the Portuguese player will restart the rehabilitation process on the field. However, his recovery for the match against Atalanta in Bergamo seems very unlikely.
As for AC Milan's Simon Kjaer, Malick Thiaw, and Noah Okafor...
It's complicated for Simon Kjaer to be recovered as well. The Danish center-back has started his rehabilitation phase today, which puts him slightly ahead in the recovery timeline compared to Leao: however, his availability remains doubtful, with a small chance of making it to the bench. For this reason, it is very likely that Theo Hernandez will be confirmed as a center-back at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday.
Exams for Malick Thiaw are also expected in the coming days. Noah Okafor's recovery work is progressing well, although his return to the field is not imminent.
The club and the staff's objective are to recover him for the match against Monza, scheduled to be played at San Siro on December 17.
Leao and Kjaer's exits are significant for Pioli who needs every help he can get from his players at this moment. But, it seems that these two players will not be able to play against Atalanta as their fitness level must be worked on further.
Milan, therefore, will have to rely on Christian Pulisic, Samuel Chukwueze, Luka Romero, and even Chaka Traoré. In defence, the only remaining natural centre-back for now, excluding Primavera players, is Fikayo Tomori.
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