Milan have Leao doubt approaching crucial Roma clash | OneFootball

Milan have been left with a doubt surrounding star forward Rafael Leao approaching the team’s crucial, top-of-the-table clash against Roma coming up this weekend according to Thursday’s reports.

Leao in doubt for Milan vs. Roma

Leao underwent medical checks on Wednesday according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, after being withdrawn at half-time of his side’s 1-1 draw with Atalanta on Tuesday night.

While those tests ruled out a serious injury, it is understood that the Portugal international is struggling with inflammation in his hip, which makes him a doubt for the Roma game at the weekend.

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 24: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 24, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The 26-year-old has only been fit enough to start in Milan’s last three Serie A matches of the season, following a calf injury that kept him out for over a month at the beginning of the campaign. He has scored three goals across those last three league starts.

Thursday’s reports indicate that Leao will be a guaranteed starter if he is fit and available on Sunday. With Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez likely out of action for the Roma match, there could also be an opportunity for Christopher Nkunku, if not, for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan inflates a balloon as he celebrates with teammates after scoring to give the side a 2-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Pulisic and Adrien Rabiot are reportedly aiming to return to the group in time to face Parma on November 8.

Summer signings Ardon Jashari and Pervis Estupinan have returned to first-team training on Thursday following their recent injury lay-offs.