Milan’s Woes Deepen: Leao Sidelined with Muscle Injury

AC Milan has been dealt another significant blow as Rafael Leao suffered a muscle injury during the match against Hellas Verona in the 17th round of Serie A 2024/25.

Around the 30-minute mark, with the score still at 0-0, Leao collapsed on the field and requested a substitution. Coach Paulo Fonseca initially considered bringing on Francesco Camarda but ultimately decided to replace Leao with Theo Hernandez at the 32nd minute, shifting Alex Jimenez to a more advanced position behind Abraham.

Leao’s injury appears to be muscular in nature. The Portuguese forward indicated to Milan’s medical staff that he felt tightness in the back of his left thigh. Initial reports suggest Leao has experienced discomfort in his left flexor muscle.

The extent of Leao’s injury and his expected absence from play remain uncertain pending further medical examinations. Milan hopes that the forward’s quick decision to leave the field may have prevented a more severe injury.

This setback adds to Milan’s growing injury list, which already includes eight other players sidelined for various reasons. Among them are Alessandro Florenzi (out for the season with a cruciate ligament rupture), long-term absentees Ismael Bennacer and Luka Jovic, as well as Alvaro Morata (tonsillitis), Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic, Noah Okafor, and Yunus Musah, all dealing with muscular issues.

The loss of Leao, a key technical leader for the team, presents a significant challenge for Milan as they navigate through a crucial phase of the season.