AC Milan get Rafael Leao injury boost ahead of Champions League second leg vs Inter Milan

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao could return for Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final decider against Inter Milan.

Leao, 23, missed Milan’s 2-0 defeat in last week’s first leg after suffering a muscle injury in a recent Serie A win against Lazio.

He had trained — separately from his team-mates — on the morning of Milan’s defeat by their city rivals, only to be deemed not fit enough to feature.

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But Milan coach Stefano Pioli has delivered a positive update ahead of the second-leg showdown.

“He’s better,” Pioli said when asked about Leao on Monday. “(Rade) Krunic and (Junior) Messias are too. If everything goes as it should, they’ll be available for training later and for tomorrow.”

While Leao’s return would be a major boost for Milan, Inter are out to hold onto their lead at San Siro and reach the final for the first time since they were crowned European champions in 2010.

“It will take a cool head and a warm heart,” said Inter boss Simone Inzaghi. “I will be repetitive, but it’s the only way for matches like this.

“Tomorrow, we know it’s one of the most important games in Inter’s history. We know we have an advantage, deservedly so, but we won’t just have to manage it. We’ll have to play as Inter, knowing that we have a strong team in front of us.

“We know we are 90 minutes away from a dream, which I and these wonderful guys had.”

Forward Joaquin Correa was taken off at half-time during Inter’s 4-2 win over Sassuolo on Saturday but could still feature against Milan.

“Correa asked for a change,” Inzaghi said. “Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, but we’ll evaluate in today’s training. He should make it but I have no certainties.”

GO DEEPER

Milan haven't learned from derby defeats — Inter were far superior with and without the ball

(Photo: Getty Images)

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