Chivu cleared to play in Milan derby

Defender Cristian Chivu has recovered from a calf injury and should play for Inter against league leaders Milan on Saturday.

Chivu had been in doubt after injuring his leg during Romania’s training camp ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Bosnia last Friday.

The return of Chivu is good news for Inter boss Leonardo, who will be without suspended centre-back Lucio, while Walter Samuel still isn’t match fit.

Leonardo is expected to play Chivu at centre-back alongside Italy international Andrea Ranocchia.

Meanwhile Inter striker Samuel Eto’o, the Serie A’s leading goalscorer this season with 19, does not expect the match to decide the title race.

Milan are two points clear of their cross-town rivals but Eto’o believes there is plenty of football left in this campaign.

“The derby is a game that can change the course of the championship for just one week,? the striker told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“After the game there will be another seven matches to go and only the last four rounds will decide who wins it.”

“But it all depends on Milan because they are first at the minute. If they win all of their remaining games then they will take the title.”

“They are the favourites, the favourites are always the team who are first.”

Milan will go into the game without the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the former Barcelona player is happy with another absentee.

“It?s good that my great friend Pippo Inzaghi isn?t available,” he continued.

“He?s one of the best centre-forwards in the world, one who hurts you when you least expect it.”

The Cameroon international has been in fine form this season where he has averaged 0.78 goals per game across all club competitions.

“I don?t know if this is the best year of my career, but I know that the older you get the more you try to improve on what you did in the previous campaign.”