Traore was a member of the triumphant Liverpool side that beat AC Milan in Istanbul in May 2005 to win the Champions League and he has made 160 appearances for the Reds.

BBC: SPORT | Football | Charlton close in on Traore deal

The absence of Pienaar, whose Spurs side recently knocked AC Milan out of the Champions League, would be a blow for Mosimane, who would need to name another captain just days after axing Mokoena.

BBC: Boateng to miss Ghana qualifier

He played for Ajax, Sporting Lisbon, Spanish side Real Zaragoza and won three European Cups with AC Milan.

BBC: Rijkaard named Barca boss

It was a miserable first derby for AC Milan coach Leonardo, who is in the process of rebuilding his side after the departure of former world footballer of the year Kaka to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

CNN: Inter thrash rivals AC in Milan derby

However, the win still lifted Madrid to the top of Group C and they are now two points clear of AC Milan and three clear of Marseille, who Manuel Pellegrini's side play in their final match.

CNN: Higuain strike gives Real Madrid win

Beckham, who is on loan with AC Milan in Italy from the Los Angeles Galaxy, limped off during the Serie A side's home match against Chievo on Sunday.

CNN: Defiant Beckham says he will return after Achilles surgery

Defender Cannavaro won two scudetti with Juventus, in 2005 and 2006, while the side are currently fighting to clinch third place behind champions Inter and their city rivals AC Milan.

CNN: Italy captain Cannavaro rejoins Juventus

Current Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti led Inter's local rivals AC Milan with aplomb between 2001 and 2009 and this was the first time he has brought a side to the city since leaving for west London last summer.

BBC: Diego Milito