Inter Milan are optimistic that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be fit enough to start against Man City next month.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the Armenian is well on track to play in, and even be in the starting eleven for, the Champions League final.
Inter have confirmed that Mkhitaryan has suffered a quadriceps injury. The Armenian suffered a strain to the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh during the Champions League semifinal second leg win over AC Milan.
The former Roma and Arsenal midfielder is working to recover for the final.
Inter Midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan Has Final Vs Man City In His Sights
Mkhitaryan has been a key player for Inter throughout the current season.
The 34-year-old has made a total of 48 appearances in all competitions since joining from Roma last summer.
Mkhitaryan has proven decisive in the Champions League, whilst he is a steadying presence in midfield.
Therefore, there is very little question that Inter will want the Armenian back for the final.
According to the Gazzetta, things are looking optimistic. Whilst Mkhitaryan is not set to return in either of Inter’s two remaining Serie A matches, it doesn’t look long after that.
The midfielder could re-enter full training with the rest of the squad around the time of the Nerazzurri’s final league match of the season, against Torino.
Therefore, Mkhitaryan could have around a week to prepare and get match-fit for the final. As such, the midfielder would stand a good chance of starting in Istanbul.
Stefan De Vrij Also Hoping To Start In UCL Final
According to the Gazzetta, defender Stefan de Vrij is also hoping to start in next month’s final.
Throughout the current season, the Dutchman has been second-choice to Francesco Acerbi in the centre of Inter’s back three.
However, the 31-year-old is nevertheless aiming to convince Simone Inzaghi.
The final against Man City is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and de Vrij will do everything to grab hold of it.
