Inter coach Simone Inzaghi doesn’t think Belgian international striker Romelu Lukaku will feature for the Nerazzurri until after the Serie A season resumes after the FIFA World Cup in January.
Speaking to the Italian press in the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Serie A clash against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, as reported via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri coach wasn’t optimistic about the Chelsea loanee featuring for Inter before the FIFA World Cup break.
When asked how much of a loss it is to not have Lukaku for tomorrow’s Derby D’Italia clash against Juventus, the Nerazzurri coach lamented not having several players due to injury adding he didn’t think Lukaku would play for Inter until January 2023, at the very earliest.
“We’re also without D’Ambrosio, with Bastoni to be evaluated because last night he had a fever and he didn’t train today.
“We’ll see if he comes with us today or tomorrow. It’s normal that a coach wants to have all his players available but playing this much presents many difficulties.
“Lukaku will undergo further medical tests next week, I don’t think he will play even the last game before the World Cup break.
“I feel bad for the guy as he has worked very hard to be available. We will wait for him after the break and he will give us a big hand when he’s back” Inzaghi stated.
The former Lazio tactician will have Marcelo Brozovic back from injury which he was very pleased about even though the Croatian midfielder wont start tomorrow’s match.
“He is such an important player for our system and I’ve been really impressed with how hard he worked over the last two days. I don’t think he can start, but he is fundamental for us.”
The Nerazzurri coach was then asked if tomorrow’s clash with Juventus was last chance saloon for both teams to keep up with Napoli and AC Milan in the race for the Serie A title.
“There are 25 games to go and in a week the break for the World Cup, so there’s a long way to go yet. It will be very important for both teams, that’s for sure.
“Like us, Juventus have won five of their last six Serie A games, so they are getting back on track and playing in a passionate atmosphere. We must be mobile, especially off the ball, because Juventus have great defenders.
“We respect Juventus and know how strong they are, although they had a lot of injuries, they also have a great deal of young players with lots of quality.”
“We know what the match against Juventus represents, it means a lot to the fans and both clubs.”
Juventus host Inter at the Allianz Stadium tomorrow night in Match Day 13 of the 2022/2023 Serie A season with kick-off scheduled for 20.45 CET.
