Rafael Leao warning ‘cannot take risks’ with injury and new Milan role | OneFootball

Rafael Leao assures he is ready to take on a new attacking role for Max Allegri’s Milan, but first must recover from injury. ‘We cannot take risks’ with this kind of setback.

The forward sustained a muscular strain during the Coppa Italia first round tie against Bari on August 17, and therefore has not been fit for the first two Serie A games of the season.

He was still not back in full training today, and is therefore not expected to participate on Sunday when league football returns with their match against Bologna.

Rafael Leao will not rush recovery for Milan

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 17: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and SSC Bari at Stadio San Siro on August 17, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We are working to get me back as soon as possible, but this is a lesion, and we cannot take risks with that,” Leao told reporters as he attended the Premio Gentleman awards ceremony this evening.

He was forced to miss the defeat to Cremonese and victory away to Lecce, as well as international duty with Portugal.

When he had made his debut this season in the Coppa Italia, it was in a new centre-forward role, scoring a goal and providing an assist.

“It’s a position I know well, the coach has a lot of experience, and I am at his disposal to play as a centre-forward or in a wider role,” assured Leao.