Fonseca gives Morata update and explains Leao captaincy at Milan | OneFootball

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca explains his choices against Lecce, including an injury update on Alvaro Morata and why Rafael Leao is one of ‘many players’ who can wear the captain’s armband.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.

Alvaro Morata shook off a knock to start, so it is the same starting XI that beat rivals Inter 2-1 in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday, rebooting their disappointing season.

“There is always a good atmosphere, as our fans bring great love. Obviously, they have more belief after the derby and we want to play to make our fans proud again,” Fonseca told Sky Sport Italia.

“We want to give a sense of consistency. We had that doubt around Morata’s condition yesterday, we evaluated him today, spoke to the player, he wanted to play and I think it is important to keep that shape intact. However, it will be a different game this evening.”

Fonseca gave Milan armband to Rafael Leao

Theo Hernandez was the captain for the showdown with Inter, but here the armband is given to Rafael Leao, as Davide Calabria is out injured.

“It is because I want different players who can wear the captain’s armband, and today it is Rafa, but there are many who can take that leadership role.”

Matteo Gabbia was the surprise starter against Inter in defence and ended up scoring the winning goal with a late header, so is he now the first choice centre-back alongside Fikayo Tomori?

“Gabbia is also a leader, he is very focused, concentrated and has good timing for attacking moves too. He’s in a good period of form, it is important to have a defensive line with confidence, so that is why I did not make changes,” concluded Fonseca.

Strahinja Pavlovic was one of the biggest summer investments on the transfer market, but is left on the bench along with Ruben Loftus-Cheek.