Leao sidelined as Milan host Bologna

AC Milan will be without star forward Rafael Leao when they host Bologna at San Siro on Sunday, coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed, handing the visitors an early-season test as both sides sit level on three points after two league matches. Kickoff is scheduled for 19:45 local time and the game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN.

Allegri said Leao remains sidelined with a soleus muscle problem and will miss the Bologna match, adding it is likely the 26 year old will also be unavailable for the trip to Udinese on September 20. The forward picked up the calf injury on August 17 during Milan's Coppa Italia tie with Bari and has trained individually since, according to reports. Leao himself told reporters he will not rush his recovery, calling the issue a lesion and saying the club cannot take risks.

The absence of Leao deprives Milan of their most explosive attacking option and forces Allegri to rely on Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez up front. Pulisic has returned from international duty and Gimenez arrives in form, having scored for Mexico in a recent friendly, according to club accounts. New signing Christopher Nkunku is available for selection and could...