Potential Leao return date revealed after injury in Milan 2-0 Bari | OneFootball

Rafael Leao is targeting a return to action immediately after the international break after picking up an injury in his first competitive outing of the 2025-26 campaign.

When is Leao expected to return for Milan after injury?

The Portugal international lined up as a starter for Massimiliano Allegri’s first game back in charge: An eventual 2-0 victory over Bari in the first round of the Coppa Italia in San Siro.

Leao was on the scoresheet in the first half, but was forced to withdraw just a few minutes later.

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)

It was later confirmed that he had suffered a minor injury to his calf, which has since kept him out of action for the 2-1 loss against Cremonese in the opening round of Serie A fixtures, and the 2-0 victory over Lecce the following weekend.

Santiago Gimenez and Chrstian Pulisic lined up in a two-man attack in Leao’s absence against Cremonese. Gimenez was then supported by Alexis Saelemaekers and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for the 2-0 win over Lecce.

According to reports from various outlets on Wednesday, including Milannews.it, Leao is recovering well from his early set-back, and is pushing to return after the international break.

Wednesday’s updates confirm that he is hoping to be available to Allegri for Milan’s next Serie A match, which falls against Bologna on September 14.