Inter striker Romelu Lukaku has told his teammate that he hopes to be fit in time to play in the Milan derby against AC Milan on Saturday.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, who report that the Belgian is still desperately hoping to be able to be available for the first derby since his return to the Nerazzurri on loan from Chelsea.
In the next 24-36 hours Lukaku will undergo an MRI which should conclusively determine whether there is any muscular damage following a thigh strain that the 29-year-old suffered in training yesterday.
If any damage is found, then the Belgian could be out not only for the derby on Saturday but also for the Nerazzurri’s Champions League group stage opener against Bayern Munich next week.
Lukaku will not force a return if he is not in physical condition to do so, but he is prepared to grit his teeth and do everything within his power to face Milan.