Allegri never misses a chance to underline the point, and he did so again in his latest pre-match press conference: Rafa Leao is still not at his best physically and is dealing with pain in the adductor area. In simple terms, there is inflammation that comes and goes, and there is also the risk, if the situation is not managed properly, of it developing into pubalgia.
Milan’s number 10, who already missed more than a month at the start of the season because of the soleus injury he suffered in the Coppa Italia match against Bari, has nonetheless continued to make himself available to help the team. Despite his physical problems, he has managed to contribute. Partly thanks to the new role Allegri has been testing him in this season, the Portuguese forward has shown he can still make an impact even when operating at less than full fitness. Goals, penalties, assists to put teammates through on goal, but also a few extra difficulties when playing with his back to goal against certain types of opponents, something that was very clear to see in Rome, as relayed via Milan News.
Over his years in red and black, Rafa has perhaps spoiled everyone with his explosive bursts down the flank and his searing dribbles, a true cheat code that, it must be said, is far from normal. Now it shows. With these aches to manage, Leao no longer accelerates in the same way, he is no longer that force of nature who in open space used to make opponents tremble. It is admirable how he is still trying to help at a time when Allegri needs him, especially since Pulisic and Fullkrug, for different reasons, are also not at 100 percent. Max keeps putting him on the pitch because he is convinced that, thanks to his quality, he can still be decisive, as happened for example in Como for Rabiot’s first goal, when Rafa slipped the Frenchman through with a perfectly weighted through ball from a classic playmaker’s position.
Several days will pass from Rome to Bologna, and then again from Bologna to Pisa. This is an opportunity for Leao to recover, or at least try to get back to full fitness. And if he does not manage to do so, a careful reflection will be needed. Number 10 is strong even when running at half capacity, but would it not be better to take a short break, then return without issues and start causing panic among opponents all over again?
