Kaka may miss Milan derby

By Gordon Tynan

Saturday 14 February 2009 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kaka looks set to lose his battle to be fit for tomorrow's Milan derby against the Serie A leaders Internazionale. The Brazilian is recovering quicker than expected after sustaining a foot injury in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Reggina, but the game at San Siro is likely to arrive too quickly for him.

However, Milan should be lifted by the return of central defender Alessandro Nesta from a long-standing back problem, while Ronaldinho, who scored the winner in the 1-0 victory over Inter in September, could be given his second consecutive start.

Jose Mourinho, the Inter coach, is without the suspended forward Mario Balotelli while defender Maicon is a doubt after pulling out of training yesterday with a thigh problem. But Adriano can return after a three-match ban and Patrick Vieira is fit again and is expected to be on the bench.

In Spain, the Barcelona captain Carles Puyol, who missed Spain's 2-0 friendly win over England on Wednesday with a muscle strain in his left leg, has failed to recover in time for the leaders' match at Real Betis tonight.

Juande Ramos, the coach of second-placed Real Madrid, will be without the injured defenders Christoph Metzelder and Michel Salgado for tomorrow's match at Sporting Gijon, as Real look for an eighth consecutive league win in an effort to reduce the 12-point gap to Barcelona.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in