Portugal confirm Leao has withdrawn from international duty

The Portugal national team have confirmed that Milan star Rafael Leao has withdrawn from international duty and will not participate in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Hungary on Tuesday evening.

Official: Leao drops out of Portugal squad and returns to Milan

“Rafael Leão was dismissed from the National Team and will not participate in the match against Hungary,” a statement from the Portuguese Federation read.

“The decision to dismiss the player was made by the national team coach, Roberto Martínez, after assessing the physical condition of the player who participated, off  the bench, in the Portugal-Republic of Ireland match.”

LISBON, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 11: Rafael Leao of Portugal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 11, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Leao is still working his way back to full fitness after picking a muscular injury to his calf during Milan’s 2-0 Coppa Italia victory against Bari in August. The injury has meant that he has not yet been able to start for club or country so far this season.

As per reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, the 26-year-old will return to Milan to work on his condition after leaving the Portugal national team camp.

Roberto Martinez had called Leao up for international duty, aware of the fact that he was not at 100% fitness.

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Federico Gatti of Juventus FC tackles Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Leao is now expected to begin training individually on Monday, despite the fact that the rest of the Milan squad, barring those still on international duty, have another three days off.

He is reportedly pushing to be available as a starter for Milan’s upcoming Serie A clash against Fiorentina on Sunday.