Rafael Leão’s suspected right-adductor injury and early exit vs Torino reduces AC Milan’s attacking threat; with Santiago Giménez already sidelined and Christian Pulisic barely fit, bettors should be cautious on Milan moneyline bets and consider lower-scoring markets (under 2.5) or handicap adjustments until Leão’s fitness is confirmed — he has six goals and one assist this season.
Leão limps off as Milan trail Torino after troubling adductor scare
AC Milan were left anxious when Rafael Leão pulled up after a miskicked effort and clutched his right adductor, forcing an early exit in a 2-1 deficit at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The striker grimaced after scuffing a shot from the edge of the area, tried to jog it off briefly, then limped straight to the bench without waiting for a formal substitution.
How the injury unfolded
Leão scuffed the ball and immediately showed signs of discomfort, bending over and holding his groin before making for the touchline. He was substituted for Samuele Ricci — the former Torino midfielder — and later sat on the bench with an ice pack strapped to the top of his right thigh, suggesting an adductor problem.
Match context and scoreline
Torino took the lead 2-1 through a Nikola Vlašić penalty, a Duván Zapata angled drive and a sudden Adrien Rabiot screamer into the top corner. Milan’s attacking options were already stretched: Santiago Giménez remains sidelined and Christian Pulisic was only fit enough for a bench role after flu symptoms.
Fitness outlook and squad impact
Medical staff have yet to confirm the severity or recovery timeline, but the timing is poor for Milan. Leão has contributed six goals and one assist across Serie A and the Coppa Italia so far this season; losing him, even temporarily, would dent Milan’s frontline and tactical options.
Short-term implications for Milan
If Leão is sidelined, expect tactical reshuffles and greater reliance on secondary attackers or midfielders to supply goals. The substitution of Ricci — a midfielder by trade — already hinted at a shift in approach during the game.
What this means for bettors and markets
The immediate uncertainty around Leão’s availability should temper confidence in Milan as a sure-fire goalscorer. Markets likely to react include moneyline odds, goal totals (under/over), and Asian handicaps; prudent punters may prefer lower-scoring lines or wait for a clearer medical update before backing Milan in outright or high-scoring markets.
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