Olivier Giroud Likely To Be Fit For Milan Derby Vs Inter Milan – But Key AC Milan Defender A Doubt

Striker Olivier Giroud is likely to be fit for AC Milan in Saturday’s derby against Inter Milan, but defender Pierre Kalulu is a doubt.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Heading into the weekend, there are a couple of key fitness questions surrounding Milan’s team.

The biggest concerns the availability of striker Olivier Giroud.

The 36-year-old has started every one of the Rossoneri’s three Serie A matches before the break. And he found the back of the net in each of them – Giroud scored four goals in total.

Giroud is currently Milan’s top scorer, responsible for half of their goals so far this campaign.

And the Frenchman is behind only Inter’s Lautaro Martinez in the Serie A scoring charts so far.

Therefore, the Rossoneri will certainly hope to have Giroud available to lead the line in Saturday’s derby.

Giroud Likely To Be Fit Vs Inter Milan – Kalulu A Major Doubt

Giroud came off during the second half of France’s EURO 2024 qualifier against Ireland last week. It was Inter striker Marcus Thuram who replaced the former Chelsea and Arsenal veteran.

The reason for Giroud coming off was some pain in his ankle.

This week will be decisive in determining whether the Milan striker will be able to play in the derby.

According to the Gazzetta, the early signs are positive. Giroud is already on track to make a full return to training in time to be fit for Saturday’s match.

Therefore, it looks as though the minor injury will not prevent the 36-year-old from starting, or at least being in the matchday squad for, the derby.

It’s a different story for defender Kalulu.

The Frenchman is a big question mark for the weekend, the Gazzetta report.

This presents a big issue for Milan coach Stefano Pioli, since defender Fiyako Tomori will miss Saturday’s match. The Englishman is serving a one-match suspension after receiving a red card against Roma.

Therefore, if Kalulu also cannot play, it will likely be Simon Kjaer who pairs Malick Thiaw at the heart of the Rossoneri’s defense.