Pato return to boost Milan

AC Milan have been handed a boost ahead of their derby with Inter Milan after Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato returned to training.

The 23-year-old has yet to make an official appearance for the Milan this term due to an adductor problem, and had spent the past few weeks working on his recovery.

However, he is now one step closer to a comeback after participating in a full group training session on Thursday, without any reaction to his original injury.

It remains to be seen whether Pato will make the squad for the Milan derby on Sunday, though, with Milan keen to ease him back into action and avoid any further long-term problems.

Milan have struggled so far in Serie A this term, sitting in 11th place after six matches, but they recorded a 3-2 win in Russia over Zenit St Petersburg in Champions League action on Wednesday.