Inter Milan Italian international central defender Francesco Acerbi has suffered a calf injury.
The Nerazzurri update on the 35-year-old’s condition on their official site, clarifying that he has suffered a strain to the soleus muscle in his right leg.
Acerbi is gearing up for the new season along with the rest of the Inter squad.
Having spent last season on loan at the Nerazzurri from Lazio, the Italian international joined on a permanent basis.
Inter reportedly paid the Biancocelesti a fee of around €4 million to sign Acerbi permanently.
This came after the 35-year-old established himself as a crucial player for the Nerazzurri along their run to the Champions League final.
Across all competitions last season, Acerbi made 49 appearances.
In Serie A that total was 31. And in the Coppa Italia, the defender scored his only goal to date for Inter.
He did so with a memorable header from outside the penalty area to put the Nerazzurri through to the quarterfinals against Parma.
Whilst Acerbi arrived at Inter as a backup option for Stefan de Vrij, he quickly cemented himself as the first-choice starter.
The 35-year-old was immovable throughout the Champions League knockout rounds. This included an outstanding performances against Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the final of the competition.
Inter Milan Confirm Francesco Acerbi Calf Injury
It will alarm Inter somewhat then that Acerbi has suffered a muscle injury during preseason training. The Nerazzurri confirm that he has strained the soleus muscle in his right leg.
The club further elaborate that there will be more medical tests in the coming days. These will determined the seriousness of the injury and, crucially, how long Acerbi will be out for.
Inter’s Serie A opener against Monza is now a little under two weeks away.
Considering Acerbi is a favourite of Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, expectations would favour him to start against the Brianzoli if fit.
However, if Acerbi is either out with an injury or not fully fit, then de Vrij will likely start.
Acerbi has a couple more weeks in which to get back to fitness. It should become clearer soon whether he’ll be able to as his recovery timeline emerges.
