Keita Balde will begin a two-month fight for his future at Inter when he starts against former club Lazio on Sunday, Gazzetta dello Sport reported today.

The Senegalese forward has had a frustrating season in Milan with just seven starts in Serie A, scoring four goals and providing three assists before a thigh injury ruled him out for two months.

However, Lautaro Martinez’s injury and Mauro Icardi’s lack of match fitness mean he will be leading the line for Luciano Spalletti’s side this weekend, as Inter face one of their rivals for a top four finish.

“He played poorly when he started as a centre-forward against Eintracht Frankfurt but it could be a different story against Lazio, having had a few more training sessions and played for his national team since then,” Gazzetta said.

Keita joined from Monaco last summer on loan with an option to buy for €34 million and would like to continue with the Nerazzurri beyond the summer.

In order to do so, however, he will need to impress between now and the end of the season.

“Inter would very much like to keep Keita but with a lower fee and a different payment structure,” the paper continued.

“A super end to the season would certainly help his cause.”