Santi Giménez Races Against Time for Milan Return Ahead of Inter Derby

AC Milan striker Santi Giménez is pushing hard to recover from an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for nearly four months. The player has set the highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina against Inter Milan on March 8 as an initial target for his potential return to the squad. This comes after a prolonged absence since sustaining the injury on October 28 last year during a Serie A match against Atalanta, followed by surgical intervention in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on December 18.

The striker is scheduled for a follow-up medical visit specifically to examine his ankle, the results of which will definitively determine his ability to resume group training with his teammates. Should things proceed as planned, Giménez hopes to be called up to sit on the bench for the clash against their traditional rivals, although reports suggest that regaining full match fitness will require more time to ensure a safe return without setbacks.

In this regard, the player has expressed a strong desire to be part of the top-tier match. Santi Giménez stated: "Santi wants to be there at all costs, not just to make up the numbers." The striker, who cost the club €32 million plus incentives upon his arrival in January last year, aims to improve his goal tally, which currently stands at 7 goals in 30 official appearances for the Rossoneri.

Meanwhile, AC Milan is going through a critical phase in Serie A, trailing by ten points in the Scudetto race. In an effort to bolster their attacking strength amidst absences, the club signed German striker Füllkrug last January, which will intensify competition in the forward line once Giménez makes his anticipated return to the field.