Key Inter Milan Duo Could Be Decisive In AC Milan Derby Showdown After France Forward Gets Green Light To Return To XI

Marcus Thuram is ready to return to Inter Milan’s starting XI, giving Cristian Chivu a major boost ahead of Sunday’s derby with AC Milan.

After forty frustrating days of recovery, the France international is finally “fully fit and available from the first minute,” reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Therefore, he is set to reunite with Lautaro Martinez in attack.

The pair have re-established their rhythm in training this week, with Lautaro “able to enjoy once again the pleasure of the old connection” with his strike partner.

Their partnership, the much-loved ThuLa combination, is described as “a joyful, selfless exchange.”

Indeed one built on mutual understanding and complementing movements that allow both to thrive.

During Thuram’s absence, Lautaro adapted impressively, working well with Ange-Yoan Bonny and youngster Pio Esposito.

The duo offered different types of support through their movement and physical presence.

However, Chivu knows that having Thuram back “gives everyone greater security.”

Indeed, restoring the chemistry that powered Inter at key moments last season.

Inter Milan Recover Marcus Thuram To Partner Lautaro In Key Game

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale celebrates with his team-mate Lautaro Martinez after scoring their team’s forth goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The derby backdrop adds further weight.

Milan have long been one of Thuram’s favourite opponents, with the Frenchman regularly decisive before Inter’s difficult run in the final year under Simone Inzaghi.

Lautaro, still stung by those setbacks, has underlined internally how much this match means.

And, indeed, he now has his most trusted partner alongside him again.

For Chivu, the return of his first-choice duo couldn’t come at a better time.

Therefore offering Inter a sharper, more instinctive front line for one of the defining fixtures of their season.