Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that Rafael Leao will not be in AC Milan's squad when they face Hellas Verona on Sunday.

Leao picked up a knock in Milan's win over Torino on December 8 and missed their last two matches, which featured a 2-2 draw in Serie A against Sassuolo and a 2-0 defeat to Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final.

Verona are one of only two teams against whom Leao has recorded at least three goals and three assists in Serie A, with Lazio being the other. But Milan's win percentage of 55.6% without the Portuguese winger in the starting line-up (W5 D3 L1) is not hugely different to the 60% success rate when he does not start (W6 D2 L2).

Allegri explained his decision to leave Leao out of the squad and backed his other attacking options to keep providing the goods.

"He has this discomfort that means he can't sprint at full speed. I preferred to leave him at home because part-time players are not helpful," said Allegri.

"I think the attack has the quality to do well, even when Leao will not be able to play and won't be called up."

Milan will also be without Niclas Fullkrug, with the German striker unavailable for selection until the January transfer window officially opens.

"He has characteristics that we don't currently have in the team," Allegri said.

"My first observation is that he's smiling and is very happy to be here in Milan. He is behind in his conditioning – he needs to work. He'll get minutes into his legs this week and he can be there with us against Cagliari."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

AC Milan – Christian Pulisic

Only Lautaro Martinez (eight) has scored more goals in the Italian top flight this season than Pulisic, and the United States international has also provided two assists.

He has scored three goals across his last five games in all competitions (three starts) but failed to make an impact in their Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Napoli.

Hellas Verona – Gift Orban

Orban has been critical to Verona's points tally in Serie A this season, with his five goal involvements ­– including a team-high four goals – earning his side five of their 12 points (42%).

Prior to this round of fixtures, only Mateo Pellegrino (43% - 6/14 for Parma) had contributed a higher percentage of his side's points in the current Serie A campaign.

MATCH PREDICTION – AC MILAN WIN

Milan have won each of their last nine Serie A matches against Verona, scoring 19 goals and conceding six.

They have only recorded a streak of 10 or more consecutive wins against three other sides in their top-flight history: Chievo (13), Novara (10) and Pescara (10).

The Rossoneri have also won their last four home Serie A matches against Verona, but have never achieved five consecutive home victories against them in the competition.

Verona have never won across 67 Serie A games against Milan (33) and Inter (34) at San Siro. No other team in the competition has played more games at a stadium without winning.

However, Verona won their last two league matches against Atalanta and Fiorentina and could make it three consecutive victories for the first time since September-October 2013 under Andrea Mandorlini.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

AC Milan – 66.0%

Draw – 19.1%

Hellas Verona – 14.9%