Rafael Leao suffers another injury blow as Roberto Martinez dismisses AC Milan star from Portugal squad

Leao has been released from the Portugal national team squad and will miss Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Hungary, the Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed. The Milan winger did not train on Sunday due to what was described as a "fitness management issue." Following an assessment, manager Martinez made the decision to dismiss the player, who is now returning to his club to continue his recovery from a recent injury.

The decision to release Leao stems from his ongoing return to full fitness after sustaining a muscular calf injury during AC Milan's Coppa Italia match in August. According to an official statement, the decision was made by Martinez "after assessing the physical condition of the player who participated, off the bench, in the Portugal-Republic of Ireland match.” The 26-year-old has not yet started a game for either club or country this season, and a report from A Bola suggests Martinez was also unimpressed with Leao's performance during his 29-minute cameo against Ireland.

Leao will now head back to AC Milan to focus on his recovery. According to reports from Italy, he is expected to begin an individual training programme as early as Monday. This comes despite the rest of the Milan players who are not on international duty being granted another three days off, highlighting the winger's determination to regain his starting position after a disappointing performance against Juventus. His early departure from the Portugal camp will allow him to work closely with Milan's medical and coaching staff ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.

With his international duties cut short, Leao’s entire focus will shift to being available for AC Milan's next match. The winger is reportedly pushing to be fit to start in the Rossoneri's important Serie A clash against Fiorentina at the San Siro on Sunday. Having been restricted to substitute appearances so far this campaign, this early return provides him with a crucial week to build his fitness in the hope of making his first start of the 2025-26 season.