Pato hands AC Milan a timely boost with return from injury

The former Internacional star, dogged by medical problems for years, is one step closer to another comeback after joining his team-mates for a full session on Thursday morning

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has been handed a big boost ahead of the derby with Inter after Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato made a welcome return to training.

The 23-year-old has yet to make an official appearance for the Rossoneri 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 is not yet known whether Pato will make the squad for the Derby della Madonnina, though, with Milan keen to ease him back into action and avoid any further long-term problems.

Allegri's men go into the match five points behind third-placed Inter in the Serie A table.