AC Milan defender ruled out of derby

AC Milan have been dealt a major blow in preparation for the derby, with Brazilian central defender Alex ruled out through injury.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea defender sustained a hip flexor injury during training yesterday, with the club confirming the news.

“AC Milan announces that during training yesterday afternoon Alex suffered a hip flexor injury to the medial aspect of the right thigh,” read a statement on the club’s official website.

Sunday’s clash is the first Milan derby of the season and coach Filippo Inzaghi’s first in charge, and he will have to do it without one of his first-choice defenders.