Both Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud will be taking their returns down to the wire ahead of the derby.
This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Corriere della Sera, via FCInterNews.
In the early going this season, Martinez and Giroud are the top two scorers in Serie A.
Inter striker Martinez leads the way with a whopping five goals from just three matches. And Giroud is not far behind the Argentine, having found the back of the net four times.
Both in-form strikers have been their team’s attacking talismans so far this season.
Both look to be early front-runners to try and dethrone Victor Osimhen as Serie A’s top scorer.
And it is not a coincidence that Inter and Milan are the two teams to have collected maximum points thus far in the campaign.
Lautaro & Giroud Both Take Returns Down To The Wire Ahead Of Derby
Given the respective importance of Martinez and Giroud, both Inter and Milan will naturally want their strikers to be back in top condition for the derby clash on Saturday evening.
And both will have some reason to be nervous.
In the case of Inter and Martinez, the issue will be the 26-year-old’s late return.
Martinez is currently with the Argentine national team for the break. And he will only be back at Inter coach Simone Inzaghi’s disposal on Thursday.
Naturally, there will be some questions about the Inter captain’s fitness on Saturday.
Martinez will have to get over the jet lag and find his rhythm. He will also have fewer training sessions in preparation for the derby than just about anyone else in Inter’s squad.
And in the case of Giroud, the problem is an injury.
The 36-year-old picked up an ankle problem during France’s EURO 2024 qualifier against Ireland last week.
The injury is a minor one. Recent reports indicate that Giroud will be able to return to training and get fit for the derby.
But the big question will be whether the Frenchman will be able to produce his best form so soon after coming back from an injury.
