Massimiliano Allegri’s side have just two wins from their first seven games, leaving them down in 12th position and 13 points behind leaders Roma.
But Milan can take heart from their impressive home record, as they have won four of their five games in all competitions at San Siro.
And they also received welcome news that a decision ordering them to play one match behind closed doors has been suspended, so Rossoneri fans will be allowed to attend Saturday’s game.
Milan were hit with the sanction as punishment for discriminatory chants from their supporters during the defeat to Juventus.
Allegri used the international break to give his fringe players a chance to impress in a friendly against Caen last weekend, but they failed to make the most of the opportunity as the French side won 3-0.
While Balotelli misses out, midfielder Kaka could return from injury along with Valter Birsa and Matias Silvestre, but Mattia De Sciglio (knee) remains on the sidelines.
Udinese were 2-0 winners over Cagliari last time out but they will be eager to address their away form, having lost all three Serie A games on their travels.
Francesco Guidolin’s side are eighth in the table and will go in search of their first Serie A away win over Milan since 2007.