Milan playmaker Kaka is bidding to defy medical science to make the squad for a city derby his side almost certainly need to win to keep their dwindling Serie A title hopes alive.
The Brazilian, who turned down a world record move to Manchester City last month, injured his foot in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Reggina and doctors ruled him out for 15 days.
However, he is making a quicker-than-expected recovery ahead of tomorrow night's clash with leaders Inter, who have an eight-point advantage over their third-placed rivals.
"We will see if he can recover for the derby, at least for the bench. It is too early to say now," Milan doctor Jean-Pierre Meersseman told reporters in midweek.
Defender Alessandro Nesta also hopes to make a return after being blighted by injury for months.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose side last won the scudetto in 2004, needs a fair slice of good fortune if the Rossoneri are to challenge this season and he is to cling on to his job.
Defeat would leave them 11 points adrift of Inter with 14 games remaining, a seemingly insurmountable task given that Jose Mourinho's team are picking up points despite not always playing well.
Media reports have said another season's failure in Serie A would mean Ancelotti leaving the San Siro, with rumours circling that Chelsea are interested having only appointed Guus Hiddink until the end of the campaign.
For now though, the only matter on Ancelotti's mind is one of the biggest games in club football.
His main hope is that Milan can repeat their 1-0 victory in September, one of only two defeats Inter have suffered in the league, when the inconsistent Ronaldinho nodded in the winner.
That headed goal was a rarity for Milan, who laboured against bottom side Reggina because striker Alexandre Pato was not tall enough to connect with David Beckham's crosses.
Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar is philosophical about Kaka's expected absence.
"Beating Milan would give us extra confidence and eliminate a pretender to the title," Cesar said.
"Naturally Milan may miss this great player, any team in the world would. But Ronaldinho scored against us in the early-season fixture and then we have to keep an eye on Pato."
Inter's physical presence is huge in comparison and their height in the box and record against smaller teams has been key to their success as they chase a fourth straight title.
Their powerful squad will be further strengthened by burly striker Adriano being available again after a three-game ban, although he was not missed in Saturday's 3-0 win at Lecce.
Fit-again France captain Patrick Vieira is expected to be on the bench, having made his last league appearance in November.
Juventus, a point above Milan in second, still hope to have a say in this season's championship but again have problems for tomorrow's home game with Sampdoria.
Striker Vincenzo Iaquinta is suspended. He was sent off shortly after scoring in last weekend's 2-1 win at Catania. Juve's injury list is still long and midfielder Momo Sissoko is struggling to shake off a knock but defender Giorgio Chiellini should be able to return to the back four.