Key AC Milan player is now ready to start vs Newcastle tonight

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AC Milan have been handed a huge boost ahead of their match against Newcastle United tonight with star player now expected to return from injury.

Milan star Rafael Leao now looks to be ready to start against Newcastle later tonight in a huge Champions League clash that will decide who goes into the knockout rounds.

Milan manager Stefano Piloi confirmed in his interview before the game that the winger looked in good shape and could be ready to start after recovering from an injury that kept him out of the last four games.

Leao’s return is bad news for Newcastle

In the return leg at the San Siro back in September, Leao had a brilliant game for Milan terrorising Newcastle’s defence even if it didn’t result in a goal.

The Portuguese international was so quick on the break and did brilliantly on the ball to find space, it was just the final pass or shot that was missing as the game ended in a 0-0 and the points were shared.

This time around you can expect the young man to be hungrier to get the result given the circumstances, but he may also want to prove a point after missing a huge chance against the Magpies last time out.

Newcastle will be relying on their full-backs to deal with Milan’s star and Kieran Trippier will hopefully be back on top form after some unusual performances against Tottenham and Everton.

On Leao’s recovery, Pioli said: “He’s well and in condition to start the match.”

Newcastle are prepared for a battle at St James’ Park

Though their away form has been struggling all season, Newcastle have been able to make St James’ Park a fortress and no team, including Milan, will look forward to a trip to the North East regardless of quality.

Injuries and suspensions have massively affected this team and they will again go into tonight’s game missing key players, but that hasn’t prevented them from fighting on and battling for a victory so far.

Milan themselves are dealing with an injury crisis of their own, so it looks set to be a tough encounter to see who is more prepared to deal with their absences and come out on top.