Rabiot returns to full training: no concerns ahead of the big match
Great news from Milanello ahead of the big match against Napoli: Adrien Rabiot has returned to full team training. The French midfielder, who had suffered a thigh knock during international duty with France, has fully recovered and is pushing for a starting spot at the Maradona.
The French midfield maestro did not feature in France’s last friendly, but his return to group training yesterday has put all doubts about his fitness to rest. Rabiot’s contribution to Milan’s midfield has become indispensable, both in the defensive and build-up phases, and his availability is a major boost for manager Allegri ahead of such a crucial fixture.
Leao: a step forward, but his call-up remains uncertain
The situation is different for Rafael Leao. The Portuguese star completed a personalised training session on the pitch yesterday, a small step forward compared to the previous day when he had worked entirely on his own. However, it is still not enough to guarantee his inclusion in the squad for the trip to Naples.
Today’s training session, Friday 3 April, will be decisive: if the Rossoneri’s number 10 fails to join the group, there would be too little time to properly prepare for the game. Allegri does not intend to rush the Portuguese winger’s recovery, well aware of the importance of having him at peak condition in the coming weeks.
Milan’s attack is a puzzle: four candidates for the starting shirt
With Leao still doubtful and Christian Pulisic only returning to Milanello today after his commitments with the United States, the Milan attacking department is a genuine puzzle for the Livorno-born manager.
All available forwards are in the running for a starting berth: Christopher Nkunku, Niclas Füllkrug, Pulisic himself and Santiago Gimenez, with the latter reportedly regaining good physical shape. The Mexican striker could prove to be a crucial option up front against Antonio Conte’s Napoli.
Other international players are also returning to the Rossoneri training ground in these hours, and serious preparation for the Neapolitan away fixture begins today. Allegri’s choices will inevitably be influenced by the physical condition in which players report back after the break.
Milan head into this clash with great determination and a wealth of attacking options that can provide quality and unpredictability. It promises to be a match to follow with bated breath.
