AC Milan’s star forward Rafael Leao is facing a potential third consecutive benching in Serie A as the team prepares to face Monza. Manager Paulo Fonseca appears to be continuing his surprising decision to leave the Portuguese international out of the starting lineup, following similar moves in recent matches against Napoli and Udinese.
Calciomercato report how Leao did start in Milan’s Champions League victory over Club Brugge, but was substituted during the match. Interestingly, the Rossoneri’s winning goal came after Leao had left the field, potentially influencing Fonseca’s decision-making.
According to teh report, Noah Okafor has been tested in the first team during training sessions leading up to the Monza clash. This suggests that Fonseca is likely to persist with his recent tactical approach, despite previously assuring that there were no particular issues with Leao.
The match against Monza will see Milan welcoming back several key players from injury and suspension. Davide Calabria, Luka Jovic, Theo Hernandez, and Tijjani Reijnders are all expected to be available for selection, bolstering Fonseca’s options.
The probable lineup for Milan is taking shape, with Calabria potentially starting at right-back and Theo Hernandez returning on the left. In central defense, Tomori is likely to partner with either Thiaw or Pavlovic. The midfield could see Fofana alongside the returning Reijnders, while the attack may feature Okafor in place of Leao, Chukwueze on the right, and Pulisic supporting Morata up front.
