Mauro Icardi’s return to action with Inter could be delayed yet further as the Nerazzurri prepare to face Lazio on Sunday, according to Corriere della Sera.

Icardi rejoined first-team training this week after more than a month on the sidelines, following the controversial decision to strip him of the club’s captaincy on 13 February.

However, the forward is not certain to be included in Luciano Spalletti’s match-day squad for the clash with the Biancoceleste as he lacks match fitness.

Inter do not know how many minutes Icardi would realistically have in his legs at the moment, having not trained with his teammates for 40 days.

The club are also concerned about the negative reception he could receive should he make an appearance at San Siro this weekend, which could cause a distraction in a key match for Inter’s Champions League hopes.

“The question hanging over Appiano at the moment is whether it would be opportune to welcome back a player who has fallen out with both the dressing room and the coach at San Siro,” Corriere said.

“How would Icardi be greeted by the Inter supporters? Would an eventual negative reception have repercussions on the team?”

If Icardi does not appear against Lazio he will almost certainly make his return in Wednesday’s match away to Genoa.