Inter and AC Milan worry as big names increasingly in doubt for derby

Dumfries and Gimenez look set to miss Sunday’s San Siro derby, tipping the match toward a more cautious, lower-scoring affair. Punters should consider under 2.5 goals or draw/handicap markets, with Inter’s flank threat reduced and Milan lacking their main striker.

Derby della Madonnina fitness update: big names doubtful for San Siro clash

It is increasingly unlikely that Denzel Dumfries or Santiago Gimenez will be available for Inter and AC Milan when the Derby della Madonnina kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT. Both clubs are awaiting last-minute fitness checks, but training-room developments are not encouraging for either side.

Inter injury concerns: Dumfries, ongoing issues and squad absences

Denzel Dumfries has not been training with the full Inter group since returning early from international duty due to an ankle problem that is taking longer to heal than first hoped. As long as he continues to experience pain and cannot train regularly, the coaching staff are unlikely to risk him for the derby. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Matteo Darmian remain long-term absentees, while Piotr Zielinski is managing a calf issue following international action. Manuel Akanji is the last to return from national team duty and is expected back at Appiano Gentile on Thursday.

Milan update: Gimenez’s ankle setback and phased returns

AC Milan are also hampered by injuries: Santiago Gimenez again missed full training as he battles the same ankle issue that forced him out of Mexico duty. It now appears probable he will delay any return — even to the bench — until next week’s fixture against Lazio. Luka Modric returned from Croatia but trained only in the gym, while Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku and Strahinja Pavlovic were back with the group. Additional players expected at Milanello on Thursday include Alexis Saelemaekers, Koni De Winter, Zachary Athekame and Davide Bartesaghi. Adrien Rabiot has returned to full training and is available after a month out with a muscular problem.

Squad implications and tactical outlook

Both coaches face selection headaches. Inter may be forced to reshuffle their right flank and find alternative ways to supply their forwards if Dumfries is absent. Milan’s attacking options are similarly weakened without Gimenez, which could push them to rely more on wide play or make a late tactical switch. Midfield availability and fitness levels will be crucial in a tightly matched derby where small margins decide the outcome.

Betting and match prediction considerations

With two key attacking outlets likely missing, expect a more cautious encounter. Markets to consider: - Under 2.5 goals: reduced firepower on both sides increases the chance of a low-scoring game. - Draw or small-margin win: the absence of primary threats makes a narrow result or stalemate more likely. - Watch late team news for substitutions and squad inclusions that could shift odds shortly before kickoff.

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What to watch before kickoff

Keep an eye on the final injury reports and any late training photos or confirmations from the clubs. The presence or absence of Dumfries and Gimenez will shape tempo and tactical approaches, while the fitness of midfield figures like Zielinski and returning defenders could swing momentum in the derby.

It is increasingly unlikely that Denzel Dumfries or Santiago Gimenez will be available for Inter...

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