Mikaela Shiffrin is poised to return to action tomorrow in Kronplatz ©Getty Images

Mikaela Shiffrin is due to return to action at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Alpine Skiing World Cup in Kronplatz tomorrow as the American seeks to preserve her overall lead at the top of the women’s standings.

Having not raced over the weekend in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany, the slalom specialist saw her advantage over Switzerland’s Lara Gut cut to just 135 points.

Gut, the defending overall champion, triumphed in the women’s super-G event to keep the heat on Shiffrin before the giant slalom race in Italy.

Should Shiffrin top the podium, she would surpass Phil Mahre as the third placed skier on America’s all-time list of men’s and women’s World Cup winners.

The pair are currently tied on 27 World Cup wins apiece, with only Lindsey Vonn and Bode Miller boasting more, as they have 77 and 33 respectively.

France’s Tessa Worley, winner of the last giant slalom race in Maribor, is also expected to be among the contenders.

Schladming is set to host the men's slalom night race tomorrow ©Getty Images
Schladming is set to host the men's slalom night race tomorrow ©Getty Images

Sofia Goggia, Manuela Mölgg and Marta Bassino will lead the home challenge.

The trio are set to be backed by strong Italian support.

The men’s World Cup will also continue tomorrow, with a slalom race scheduled to take place in Schladming in Austria.

The night race is always an eagerly anticipated competition on the World Cup calendar.

Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen will seek to repeat his victory from the 2016 event but defending overall champion Marcel Hirscher will hope for victory on home snow.