Olivier Giroud is still working separately at Milan, but should be fit to face Inter on Saturday, as Stefano Pioli is forced to transform his defence.
The Derby della Madonnina kicks off at San Siro on Saturday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
Giroud started France’s EURO 2024 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland last week and went off within 25 minutes due to a sprained ankle.
He was released early from international duty and is training separately at Milanello, although the club remains confident he will be able to start this weekend.
However, Pioli has huge problems in defence, because Fikayo Tomori is suspended after the red card against Roma, while Pierre Kalulu picked up a muscular strain.
More tests are required, but it seems evident he will not be fit to face Inter on Saturday and is also unlikely to recover for the opening Champions League game with Newcastle United.
Simon Kjaer is therefore expected to step in, although he represents now the third choice for that centre-back role.
Theo Hernandez, Mike Maignan and Malick Thiaw all returned to training today after international duty, while USMNT players Yunus Musah and Christian Pulisic are scheduled to arrive tomorrow.