AC Milan v Bologna Match Preview: Leao Still Out

 

AC Milan are eyeing their second league win this season and their first at home as they face Bologna at San Siro this Sunday. Unfortunately, Massimiliano Allegri's side will still be playing without their star forward, Rafael Leao, for this weekend's tie. 

 

Milan to Battle Bologna Without Leao 

 The Portuguese international has been out for almost a month now, following the striker's calf injury, which he picked up in Milan's Coppa Italia match against Bari. Leao's injury has forced Allegri to adjust his approach for the early part of the season, as the former Lille and Sporting CP player was being prepared to lead the Rossoneri's front line. 

Milan's boss was initially hoping that his star attacker would be able to get back on the pitch after the recent international break. However, Leao is yet to receive clearance from the club's medical team, as they believe he still needs a bit more time to fully recover and return to the pitch. 

This situation means that the Rossoneri will have to continue their season still without their talisman, at least for their home game against Bologna. According to Allegri, Leao might only return to action for Milan's game against Napoli on September 28. 

Rabiot to Start for Milan 

 It's not all bad news for the Rossoneri, as for their Bologna clash, Allegri's men will be able to count on their newest arrival, Adrien Rabiot. The French international is in good shape, although he hasn't played much at the start of the season at Marseille. 

Not only will the Frenchman be part of Milan's squad this Sunday, but the latest news in Italy suggests that he will be playing from the start. Rabiot will reportedly be part of the Rossoneri's midfield trio with Luka Modric, Youssouf Fofana, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who could play further forward. 

That setup also means that Christian Pulisic might be starting from the bench, as the coach looks to start with more focus on the midfield. Moreover, Pulisic's condition is also probably not at its sharpest yet, at the start of this season. The American international also came off the bench in Milan's previous league win against Lecce. 

Milan's probable lineup vs Bologna:

Milan (3-5-2):  Maignan(g); Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic/De Winter; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan; Loftus-Cheek, Gimenez.