Rafael Leao Set For Champions League Return In Semi-Final Clash

Rafael Leao Set For Champions League Return In Semi-Final Clash

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao could be fit to play against Inter Milan in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, according to manager Stefano Pioli yesterday. This provides a big boost to his team’s chances of rallying from a two-goal deficit.

After suffering a thigh injury in Milan’s league victory over Lazio earlier this month, the Portuguese winger missed the 2-0 first-leg loss and also sat out Saturday’s shocking loss to Spezia in Serie A.

Leao, who has 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions this season, has been one of Milan’s most important players.

Ahead of today’s return leg, Pioli revealed concerning Leao: “He is better, as are (Rade) Krunic and (Junior) Messias.

“If everything goes as it should, they will be available for this afternoon’s training and for the game tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, after last week’s demoralizing first-leg loss in which they gave up twice in the first 10 minutes, Pioli claimed he is certain Milan will be able to mount a comeback at the San Siro.

“We have an important goal in mind – to win the game and to qualify for the final, which nobody would have predicted, just as at the beginning of the year no one would have predicted our presence in the semi-finals,” Pioli said.

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“We haven’t talked about Spezia, only about tomorrow. We know we are starting with a disadvantage, but we also have the quality to overturn it.

“Now more than ever, nobody thinks Milan can reach the final. I know we can play a great game and I know how strong my players are.

“We’ve made some mistakes, but the past is irrelevant.”

 

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