Leao is feeling better physically, making it easier for him to joke around and bring cheer. He confirmed his physical improvements on his personal social media accounts, stating on Instagram: "Doing much better." A video appeared on Milan's accounts yesterday morning, showing him entering the pitch just behind Luka Modric, with Rafa pretending to play the violin as a tribute to the 'maestro'.
It would be fair to say that he doesn't agree with what the former Inter striker has had to say about the Portuguese. Emanuele: "Antonio, aren't you making all this fuss over Leao because you're actually in love with him, and you see in him the only refinement and bravado in Serie A, just like you did? Or are you also a results-oriented player who criticises talent?"
Over the past few days, there have been various reports regarding the negotiations to extend Maignan's stay. Daniele Longo stated that the chances of him signing are as low as 10%, but this morning La Gazzetta dello Sport paint an entirely different picture. La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Maignan close to a yes. Official offer from Milan. Contract renewal until 2030, salary raised to Leao's level. Tomorrow they face Verona: the smaller sides are a problem, and Rafa is a doubt."
Santiago Gimenez has missed the last few games with an ankle issue, but he could make a return on Sunday. After receiving the positive news that Rafael Leao has avoided a muscle injury and should be available for the Supercoppa Italiana next week, a further boost has arrived regarding the condition of Gimenez. Santi nearing a return As today's edition of Tuttosport (via MilanPress) reports, Massimiliano Allegri will be without Leao for the game against Sassuolo on Sunday.
Castellanos returned last Saturday against Milan at San Siro. He had played his last Serie A match on Saturday October 4 in the 3-3 home draw against Torino. In October, during the first of a two-week international break, he suffered a grade-two tear to his thigh muscle, needing six weeks out. It's logical that he won't be at his best, but the 28 minutes plus injury time at San Siro helped him regain his match rhythm. Now, Maurizio Sarri is ready to start him again (he has the advantage over Dia) because he knows that with Castellanos, the attacking trio has a different level.
