Allegri Eases Rafael Leao Injury Fears After AC Milan’s 1–1 Draw with Atalanta

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has downplayed concerns over Rafael Leao’s fitness after the Portuguese winger was substituted at half-time during the Rossoneri’s 1–1 Serie A draw with Atalanta on Monday night.

Leao, who has rediscovered his form in recent weeks with four goals in his last three appearances, felt discomfort in his hip shortly before the break. Allegri opted for a precautionary change, replacing him with Christopher Nkunku to avoid aggravating what appears to be a minor issue.

“He had a problem with his hip and wasn’t feeling great,” Allegri told reporters after the match. “We didn’t want to take any risks, so I decided to take him off. It doesn’t look serious.”

The substitution immediately raised concerns given Leao’s recent struggles with fitness. The 26-year-old missed the first month of the campaign after suffering a calf injury in August, followed by another setback while on international duty with Portugal. Since returning, his impact has been vital — no Milan player has been involved in more goals since September.

Allegri also provided brief updates on other injured players, confirming that striker Santiago Gimenez and defender Pervis Estupiñán should both return soon. “We’re going through a spell with several knocks, but the team is reacting well,” he said.

Milan took the lead in Bergamo through Samuele Ricci’s deflected strike in the opening minutes, but Ademola Lookman’s equaliser midway through the first half ensured the points were shared. The Rossoneri were forced to absorb long spells of Atalanta pressure, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan producing several key saves to preserve the draw.

Allegri acknowledged his team’s technical mistakes in the first period but praised their second-half improvement. “We created chances and showed good character after the interval,” he said. “We need to be more efficient in the final third — that’s what separates a good side from a great one.”

Despite two consecutive draws, Milan remain second in Serie A with 18 points from nine games. As the Rossoneri prepare to face Roma at San Siro on Sunday, the club hopes Leao will be fit to continue what has been an impressive resurgence after his early-season setbacks.

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