Leao suspended for Milan-Bologna, will return in time to face … Bologna | OneFootball

Rafael Leao will be suspended for Milan’s upcoming Serie A match against Bologna in Serie A on Monday night, but will now be fully rested and is expected to return to the starting line-up in time to face Bologna again in the Coppa Italia final next Wednesday.

The Portugal international was left among the substitutes for Milan’s 2-1 win away against Genoa on Monday night, but was introduced earlier than expected after half an hour as Youssouf Fofana was forced off through injury.

Leao then scored the equaliser for Milan with a quarter of an hour left to play, before an own goal by Morten Frendrup handed the Rossoneri all three points.

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Leao suspended for Milan-Bologna

GENOA, ITALY – MAY 5: Rafael Leao of Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 5, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Leao picked up a booking with eight minutes of regular time left to play, his fifth of the season in Serie A, which means that he will now be suspended for the upcoming league match against Bologna on Friday night.

He will serve a one-match ban, which means that he will be eligible to feature in Milan’s next game after Bologna, which coincidentally happens to be against the Rossoblu, as the two teams will meet next Wednesday in the Coppa Italia final in what will be a double-header of Milan-Bologna matches.

It was Loftus-Cheek who stood in for Leao in the starting line-up on Monday night, but with concerns over Fofana after his first-half substitution, the Englishman may be required to play in his natural position in central midfield.

That means that there is a decision to make for Sergio Conceicao on the left wing: Pulisic could play there with either Samuel Chukwueze, Yunus Musah or Alex Jimenez on the right.

Riccardo Sottil missed out on Monday night, so is unlikely to be fit enough to start on Friday. He would be the most natural replacement on the left wing.