Winger Samuel Chukwueze could make his starting debut for AC Milan in this weekend’s derby against Inter Milan.
This according to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, via FCInterNews, who anticipate that it will be between the 24-year-old Nigerian international and Christian Pulisic to start on the right wing for the Rossoneri in the Serie A clash.
Both Milan coach Stefano Pioli and Inter’s Simone Inzaghi are starting to think about their starting elevens for the derby.
The two coaches have just a few more days in which to make their decisions. They can watch the players in training and make decisions as to whether they will alter the teams from before the international break.
Moreover, the two coaches are now starting to get the players who were on international duty during the break filtering back.
And according to Mediaset, this aspect could be crucial in Pioli making his decision on the right flank.
Samuel Chukwueze Could Start For AC Milan Vs Inter Milan
According to Mediaset, the late return of ex-Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund winger Pulisic from international duty could play a role.
The American will only be back from his national team on Thursday.
This raises some questions about whether or not Pulisic will be fully match-fit to start the derby. He’ll only have a couple days of training to get over the jet lag after returning from the US.
As such, Pioli could decide to go with Chukwueze.
Both of the pair are new summer arrivals. Milan signed Chukwueze from Villarreal to reinforce on the left along with Pulisic.
So far it has been the American who Pioli has favoured.
Pulisic has started in each of Milan’s first three Serie A matches of the season. Moreover, the US international has really hit the ground running, having been one of the Rossoneri’s standout players so far.
But Pioli is seriously considering handing a first Serie A start to Chukwueze, according to Mediaset.
Meanwhile, in defense the Rossoneri coach is leaning towards starting Simon Kjaer alongside Malick Thiaw.
Fiyako Tomori will be suspended for the derby. And Pierre Kalulu is a fitness doubt.
