Rafael Leao’s Injury Deals Champions League Blow to AC Milan

• Rafael Leao limped off with what appeared to be a muscle injury in the first half
• AC Milan won the game 2-0 against Lazio in his absence through Ismael Bennacer and Theo Hernandez
• Stefano Pioli provided an update on the Portuguese with Inter Milan to come in midweek

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao limped off with an apparent muscle injury in the 11th minute of their game against SS Lazio.

The Portuguese was clutching his hamstring and was replaced by Alexis Saelemaekers. He is a major doubt for the Milan derby in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League against Inter Milan on Wednesday, a big blow to Stefano Pioli's side.

His teammates stepped up and won 2-0, with the goals coming in the first half from midfielder Ismael Bennacer and full-back Theo Hernandez to help Milan climb to fifth on the Serie A table.

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Pioli provides update on Leao

Head coach Stefano Pioli looked distraught on the timeline as the Portuguese forward limped off, but in his post-match conference gave a reassuring update to the fans but did not state if he would be available for Wednesday's game.

“If Rafa feels better and recovers, then we will play with him. If he doesn’t, then we can have a great performance even without a great player like him,” he told DAZN via Football Italia.

“I just saw him and he seemed relaxed, but muscular issues need to be evaluated tomorrow rather than in the heat of the moment. Considering what he told me, I don’t think it is anything serious.”

Leao reassures Milan fans

The 23-year-old also gave Milan fans hope that his injury is nothing serious and that he could be back in time for the crunch Champions League Milano derby.

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According to Calcio Mercato, Leao exited the stadium in good condition and told fans, “Fine, fine. Nothing serious.” when he was asked about how he feels.

Ibrahimovic washes Leao's rap song

Sports Brief reported that Zlatan Ibrahimovic told Leao to focus on football after listening to his rap song.

The former Sporting Lisbon star is building a rap career under the Pseudonym Way45 and is set to release his sophomore album later in the year.

He revealed he received encouragement from his Milan teammates but veteran striker Ibrahimovic was not too generous.