Lautaro Martinez is ready to make his first appearance for Inter this season when they face Valencia on Saturday, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Antonio Conte’s side have just one preseason fixture left before their new Serie A campaign begins against Lecce on 26 August.

Lautaro impressed on Monday by scoring a hat-trick in a match against Pro Sesto at Appiano Gentile, with Matteo Politano and Matias Vecino also on target.

Conte has had to work without any first-choice forwards so far this summer but El Toro’s return means he finally has a proper striker.

Lautaro only began training last week after his summer holidays were extended due to the Copa America, where he helped Argentina reach the semi-finals.

His preparation will need to be handled carefully as he is currently required to start against Lecce, given there are no other recognised strikers in the squad.

Ivan Perisic will miss the game at San Siro due to suspension, having picked up a yellow card on the final day of last season against Empoli.