Inter vs Milan: Pioli gives Rafael Leao update ahead of crucial second-leg

Rafael Leao missed Milan’s 2-0 first-leg defeat last week after suffering a muscle injury in Serie A action against Lazio.

After training separately from his teammates on the morning of Milan's loss to their city rivals, it was deemed too risky to allow him any involvement in the game. 

Milan coach Stefano Pioli has delivered a positive update ahead of the second-leg showdown.

“He’s better,” Pioli said when asked about Leao on Monday. “(Rade) Krunic and (Junior) Messias are too. If everything goes as it should, they’ll be available for training later and for tomorrow.”

Leao’s return would be a major boost for Milan as the side struggled to put away chances in the first leg. His explosiveness and unpredictability was sorely missed and as he has shown in previous games, he can decide a game on his own.

 Pioli will need him to be firing on all cylinders if Milan are to stand any chance of turning the tie around.

The 23-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided 7 assists for AC Milan this season.