Joao Mario is favourite to replace Radja Nainggolan in Inter’s starting XI for the Milan derby on Sunday, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Portuguese international started in last weekend’s victory over SPAL and should do so again when Luciano Spalletti’s side face the Rossoneri in a key match for Serie A’s top four race.
Nainggolan will attempt a last-minute recovery but his chances of making the match-day squad were described as ‘minimal’ on Friday morning.
Marcelo Brozovic is expected to start in central midfield after shaking off the thigh injury that forced him off on Sunday, with Matias Vecino likely to partner him.
Lautaro Martinez and Kwadwo Asamoah will return after missing the Europa League defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt through suspension, while Mauro Icardi remains unavailable.
Keita Balde, Antonio Candreva, Borja Valero and Cedric Soares will drop to the bench after starting at San Siro on Thursday.
Inter (4-2-3-1): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, De Vrij, Skriniar, Asamoah; Vecino, Brozovic; Politano, Joao Mario, Perisic; Martinez.
