There were reports earlier this week indicating that there was a slim chance that Milan stars Kaka and Alessandro Nesta could recover in time for the highly-anticipated derby on Sunday evening. These hopes have been dashed as both men have been ruled out of the fixture against Inter.

Kaka suffered an injury in the 1-1 draw with Reggina last weekend, and he has not won the race against time to play against Inter, according to the Corriere dello Sport. The Brazilian midfielder ended his training session at Milanello after just a few minutes on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Nesta, who has yet to make an appearance for Milan this season, recently returned from rehabilitation in Miami, where he was undergoing treatment due to a major back problem. The defender is not yet considered up to a suitable level of fitness to play.

Therefore, captain Paolo Maldini and Kakhaber Kaladze will form the central defensive paring while Ronaldinho will join Clarence Seedorf in support of lone striker Alexandre Pato up front.

The Rossoneri are currently eight points behind Inter in the Serie A standings and are aiming for a victory over their city rivals in order to keep their title hopes alive.