Pellegri could play tomorrow from the start against Salernitana, Saelemaekers and Leão expected to return to the XI | OneFootball

Pietro Pellegri during training at Milanello. (@acmilan.com)

Pietro Pellegri is favorite to start ahead of Ibrahimović tomorrow, as Milan look to beat Salernitana in front of 45k fans.

With Inter visiting Stadio Olimpico to play Roma and Napoli hosting Atalanta without some key men, Milan have a huge opportunity tomorrow to reach 1st place in the standings, as they host Salernitana, who currently sit in last place.

After 53k people visited San Siro for Milan-Sassuolo last week, 45k fans are expected at the stadium tomorrow for the 15:00 CET kickoff, as reported by Milannews.it.

With a few injuries on hand – including that of Simon Kjær, who will today have a knee surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the season – and the decisive Champions League game against Liverpool coming up on Tuesday, coach Stefano Pioli could make some changes in the XI.

Zlatan Ibrahimović is expected to be rested and so, with Olivier Giroud injured until January, Pietro Pellegri will most likely make his debut from the start for Milan. He is expected to be flanked by Alexis Saelemaekers and Rafael Leão, both of whom started on the bench against Genoa. Brahim Díaz will be in the trequartista role, with a midfield of Franck Kessié and Tiémoué Bakayoko behind him.

Rafael Leão and Eseosa Fostine Desalu during training at Milanello. (@acmilan.com)

In defense, Alessandro Florenzi is preferred over Pierre Kalulu, who is now once again a center-back option due to the injury of Kjær. Alessio Romagnoli returns from suspension and should start alongside Fikayo Tomori, with Theo Hernández and Mike Maignan completing the department.

Another option, according to Milannews.it, would see Ismaël Bennacer starting over Bakayoko, and Rade Krunić on the left with Leão as a striker and Pellegri on the bench.

Probable XI (Sky): Mike Maignan; Alessandro Florenzi, Fikayo Tomori, Alessio Romagnoli, Theo Hernández; Franck Kessié, Tiémoué Bakayoko; Alexis Saelemaekers, Brahim Díaz, Rafael Leão, Pietro Pellegri.