Inter have considered requesting that their South American players do not go on international duty with their countries so they can keep fit for their club matches, according to a report in the Italian media today.

As has been reported by Tuttosport, Inter could be forced to take this step by the injury that Lautaro Martinez appears to have suffered whilst training for Argentina that kept him out of their 0-0 draw with Paraguay.

The other reason for taking this step is that the five players in South America now on international duty will not be able to return to Italy until the day before Inter’s clash with Lazio in Serie A, meaning they will not be fit.

It is a very risky move though to ask players not to represent their countries as it is an immense source of pride for many players.

Premier League clubs have taken similar steps this season.