AC Milan are just days away from their most important European fixture in 16 years, with the Rossoneri facing Inter Milan on Wednesday in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal showdown.
The Italian giants, who were the Serie A champions last season, have made it to the penultimate stage of football's most prestigious continental club competition, beating Napoli in the quarterfinals to reach this far.
This is the first time since 2006/07 that the seven-time Champions League winners made it to the last four of this tournament, with the Italian giants lifting the title that season. However, the club's odds of getting past bitter rivals Inter have been rocked with a huge blow.
One of Pioli's most influential players, if not the most important, has picked up an injury just days before the showdown with the Nerazzurri. That man is none other than Rafael Leao, the 2021/22 Serie MVP and one of the most exciting attackers in Europe.
The Portuguese ace is one of the deadliest wingers in the world and was a key player behind AC Milan's 2-1 win over Napoli in the quarterfinals, with the 23-year-old having a hand in both goals.
However, Leao picked up an injury during his side's crucial Serie A showdown with Lazio, a game Pioli's men had to win if they wish to keep their top-four hopes alive. The former Lille talent started this San Siro fixture but only lasted 11 minutes on the pitch before going off.
Rafael Leão is subbed off with an injury.
— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 6, 2023
Milan play Inter on Wednesday in the Champions League. pic.twitter.com/XstD03Gike
Leao, who has 13 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, was replaced by Alexis Saelemaekers. Fortunately, this injury did not affect the hosts in their clash with Lazio, with the Rossoneri triumphing 2-0 over Sarri's men.
However, Pioli will have one eye on the UEFA Champions League semifinals and while it is too early to determine whether Rafael will be fit or not, seeing him limp off the San Siro turf was a worrying sight.
