Inter defender Milan Skriniar could be fit to play in the Champions League final if the Nerazzurri make it that far, but not before then.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the recovery period for the back surgery that the 28-year-old underwent would preclude playing for the rest of the season unless the Nerazzurri reach the final of the Champions League in Istanbul.

Inter defender Skriniar underwent surgery yesterday, with the decision having been made that there was little hope of a proper recovery from the back injury that he’s been suffering from since the end of February without the surgery.

The Slovakian went under the knife for endoscopic surgery to his lumbar spine, and operation for which the immediate post-op recovery is set to see him out of action for around forty days.

Then, there will be a period of time getting back to match fitness once the defender is fully healed.

The timing of this recovery means that there would be next to no hope whatsoever for any of the Nerazzurri’s matches in Serie A or the Coppa Italia remaining this season, with their final match domestically to be played on June 4.

Meanwhile, in the Champions League Skriniar will certainly miss both legs of the upcoming semifinal tie against AC Milan.

Should Inter overcome the Rossoneri in that semifinal tie to book their place in the final of the competition in Istanbul on June 10, however, there could be some hope.

The timing would still be tight, and dependent on how Skriniar’s immediate recovery goes, as well as whether he is deemed to be not just recovered from surgery but actually fit to play in the final.

However, it cannot be precluded that the former Sampdoria defender could be considered ready to start or at least make the bench in a final against either Manchester City or Real Madrid.

However, if Inter do not reach the final of the Champions League then there is little doubt – the next time Skriniar plays, it will be in a Paris Saint-Germain shirt.