Inter Milan are “optimistic” that midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will return from his thigh injury in time to face Man City in the Champions League final next month.

This according to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, who update on the 34-year-old’s prognosis.

Inter have confirmed that Mkhitaryan picked up an injury during Tuesday’s Champions League win over AC Milan.

Medical tests with the club’s doctors showed that the Armenian former Roma and Arsenal man had strained the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh.

Now, it could be something of a race against time to get Mkhitaryan fit again in time for June 10.

Inter Milan Hoping Mkhitaryan Will Be Ready To Face Man City

Mkhitaryan is a key man for the Nerazzurri. The ex-Giallorossi midfielder has been virtually everpresent this season.

Accordingly, Inter will certainly not want to have to do without Mkhitaryan’s steadying influence in central areas as they look to try and get their hands on European club football’s biggest prize.

It does not look as though Mkhitaryan will be fit for any of Inter’s final three matches in the league. The Nerazzurri face Napoli this weekend in Serie A, followed by clashes with Atalanta and Torino.

Moreover, the former Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund star is likely to be out for the Coppa Italia final. Inter will play Fiorentina in the final where they’ll look to defend last season’s crown in the competition.

However, Sky reports, the club’s target for Mkhitaryan’s return is the upcoming Champions League final.

The Nerazzurri will travel to Istanbul in a little over three week’s time. There they’ll face Manchester City for a shot at winning European football’s biggest competition.

The timeline of Mkhitaryan’s recovery means that there is a good chance he’ll be fit for that match, Sky report.

Mkhitaryan had made 48 appearances for Inter across all competitions so far this season. He has scored five goals in the process, including against AC Milan in the Champions League.