Milan team news: Two new teenagers, surprise returns, Leao tipped for captaincy

Reports on Saturday suggest that Paulo Fonseca is planning a mini-revolution of his Milan line-up for the club’s 125th anniversary match against Genoa in Serie A on Sunday, as two players from the Futuro side are due to start, while Rafael Leao could lead the team out as captain.

Milan team news: Injuries and surprise returns

There are several injuries to contend with, but there are also two players due to return to the matchday squad.

Christian Pulisic remains out for the remainder of the calendar year with a calf injury. Reports on Sunday confirm that his USMNT teammate Yunus Musah is also due to miss the match against Genoa.

On the other hand, Alvaro Morata and Noah Okafor are both due to return to the matchday squad, but both are expected to start on the bench. Tammy Abraham, meanwhile, is expected to lead the line.

Theo Hernandez pulled and teeangers ready 

Theo Hernandez is the ‘big’ player due to drop out of the starting line-up to make way for some of Milan’s upcoming talents. The Frenchman has not been at his best in 2024-25 and so he will be taken out of the team and replaced by 19-year-old Alex Jimenez according to Saturday’s reports.

Additionally, there will also be a start for 17-year-old Mattia Liberali in the advanced midfield role. The Italy prospect is expected to start between Rafael Leao and Samuel Chukwueze in the attacking roles behind Abraham.

Leao to captain Milan? 

Milan’s official club captain Davide Calabria is also unlikely to start over Emerson Royal on Sunday, and with Theo Hernandez also out of the line-up, Leao could be the man to lead the Rossoneri out on their 125th anniversary.