Former Inter goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi has shared his thoughts on Samir Handanovic’s injury status ahead of this weekend’s second Derby della Madonnina of the season between Inter and AC Milan.
Handanovic sustained a hand injury in training a week ago and x-rays conducted by club medical staff showed that he had in fact suffered a hairline fracture to the pinky finger of his left hand.
Such an injury would typically take three to four weeks to fully recover from but Handanovic, who is Inter’s captain, has been doing everything he possibly can to try and be available for Sunday night’s match at San Siro.
In an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport 24 earlier on today, Castellazzi spoke on the risk of the injury becoming something a little more serious if he is to play.
“He will try to the last second to be available, he will not want to miss the match because he has such a character. The injury he has is no small matter,” he said.
“Whilst it is true that the pain can be managed, it has to be understood how much it affects him. Risking him in the derby could make the situation worse and that would not be a good idea with the team competing on three fronts.”
Handanovic has been near enough ever present this season for Inter having appeared in all barring one of their 30 competitive games to date, in which he has kept eight clean sheets.
