Sneijder Faces No Inter Game Time

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Inter Milan sporting manager Marco Branca has suggested midfielder Wesley Sneijder will not be picked until he agrees an "adjusted" contract.

The 28-year-old Dutchman, sidelined after suffering a minor injury in September, has been linked with a move in the January transfer window.

"We're patient and calm as we wait for the situation to evolve," said Branca.

Forgotten man Sneijder?

Inter Milan under Andrea Stramaccioni have become serious Serie A title challengers to Juventus in Sneijder's absence. They have also progressed to the knockout stage of the Europa League

Sneijder was linked with a switch to Manchester United in 2011, with the player claiming "unofficial talks".

"The situation with Wes, who is part of the history of this club and a player we all care about, is that we've been discussing a possible - and for us necessary - adjustment to his contract for a while," added Branca in an interview published on Inter's website.

"We want to give the player and his entourage all the time they need to consider the terms of our proposal carefully, so the coach and the club have decided not to use the player in this period until things are clearer."

The Netherlands international joined Inter in July 2009, having previously played for Ajax and Real Madrid.

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Sneijder Returns for Milan Derby

Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder is set to return after two months out with a thigh injury to play in Sunday's eagerly anticipated Milan derby.

AC Milan lead Juventus by goal difference at the top of Serie A but they face a serious test from Inter, who have won their last five matches.

Inter coach Claudio Ranieri said: "Milan have more to lose because they are fighting for the title.

"We will try to win but what's important is to have a lively game."

Inter have surged up the table to fifth place, eight points behind the top two, but Milan are also on a long unbeaten run, dating back to their only league defeat of the season against Juve on 2 October.

Sneijder's return to action will be a further boost for Inter, who have been rejuvenated since Ranieri's arrival at the end of September.

But Milan were also given a lift in the build-up to the game when striker Alexandre Pato committed his future to the Rossoneri after speculation he was set to join Paris St Germain.

That added a twist to the race to sign Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, with Inter president Massimo Moratti conceding defeat hours before Milan abandoned negotiations with City, apparently following Pato's decision to stay.

The Tevez saga has added extra spice to the clash at the San Siro, where Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri will try to defend a 100% winning record against his neighbours.

Milan have won the last three derby matches in all competitions, with former Inter hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring in two of them.

According to Allegri, the Swedish striker is one of the most charged up players in his squad ahead of the weekend clash.

"Gennaro Gattuso incarnates the spirit of the derby,'' Allegri said. "And then there's the hard core, Alessandro Nesta and Massimo Ambrosini, as well as of course Ibrahimovic in that how he also looks at the game as an ex-Inter player.

"Sometimes I even get angry with Zlatan. He loves the battle because he likes being stimulated. He gets very angry with the others, but also with himself.''