May 16, (THEWILL) – AC Milan’s hopes of overturning a two-goal deficit against city rivals, Inter Milan, in the UEFA Champions League semi-final, received a boost with the return of Rafael Leao to the starting lineup.
THEWILL recalls that the Portuguese winger was out of the team last week due to a thigh injury, but has recovered in time for Tuesday’s crucial reverse fixture. He will join Brahim Diaz and Junior Messias in supporting striker, Olivier Giroud, with Diaz playing in the midfield behind Giroud.
The Rossoneri will be without Ismael Bennacer, who will be out of action for at least six months after undergoing knee surgery. Meanwhile, Inter will have almost a full squad to choose from and coach Simone Inzaghi has picked the same starting XI that won the first leg 2-0. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko will partner Lautaro Martinez up front instead of in-form Romelu Lukaku, who has been instrumental in their recent successes.
As both teams prepare for a pivotal match, Inter remain the favourites to reach their first final in Europe’s top club competition since 2010. However, with the return of Leak, Milan are determined to stage an epic comeback and make history of their own.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
