Rafael Leão Returns to Group Training: He Will Be Called Up for Napoli-Milan
Great news from Milanello: Rafael Leão has rejoined the rest of the squad and will be part of the travelling party for the Napoli away fixture. The Portuguese star, following a gradual recovery programme, completed the entire training session with his teammates on Friday, sending strongly positive signals to the coaching staff.
The Portuguese Forward’s Recovery Path
The Rossoneri number ten’s return was a step-by-step process. On Wednesday, Leão completed a personalised gym session; on Thursday he moved to individual work on the pitch — an initial sign of improvement — and on Friday he finished the full session with the group. A pathway that bodes well, although it remains to be seen whether Massimiliano Allegri will consider him ready for a starting spot against Napoli.
Saturday and Sunday’s sessions will be decisive in making the final call. Alongside the Portuguese talent, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has also returned from injury, Adrien Rabiot, Christian Pulisic and the rest of the squad will all be called up.
Gabbia the Only Absentee: The Defender Won’t Travel to Napoli
The only player who will not make the squad list is Matteo Gabbia, still dealing with physical issues. A significant absence in the backline, where the Italian centre-back would have been invaluable in such a high-profile match. Milan will have to cope without his defensive solidity, but there is no shortage of alternatives in the squad.
Three-Way Battle in Attack: Leão, Nkunku and Gimenez Compete for a Starting Spot
The real tactical question centres on the attacking partnership that will line up alongside Christian Pulisic. Allegri faces an enviable dilemma with three world-class options:
- Rafael Leão: the Portuguese winger is back in the group and eager, but may not yet be at full fitness.
- Christopher Nkunku: the Frenchman trained consistently during the international break and the Tuscan-born coach has tested him in several tactical setups.
- Santiago Gimenez: the Mexican striker has impressed with his attitude and determination. He has declared he has “more hunger than before” and wants to give back to the Rossoneri faithful everything he feels he has not yet delivered. The fifteen days of close work with Allegri during the break put him in a favourable position in terms of fitness and tactical understanding.
A Choice That Reveals the Tactics: High Press or Counter-Attacks?
The manager’s decision will not just be about names, but about tactical identity. Fielding Leão would mean banking on quality and one-on-one ability, with Milan ready to press Napoli high in their own half. Opting for Gimenez could signal a desire to sit in a lower block and strike on the counter, exploiting the Mexican striker’s depth and physicality. Nkunku, for his part, offers unique versatility, capable of operating between the lines and delivering dangerous late runs into the box.
One thing is certain: internal competition is the best possible sign for a Milan side that wants to be a protagonist once again. The answer will come on Sunday at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
