Defender Benjamin Pavard could make his first ever start for Inter Milan against Real Sociedad in the Champions League this week.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.
Pavard has been on the bench in two matches for Inter since joining from Bayern Munich in the last couple days of the summer transfer window.
The Frenchman was an unused substitute against Fiorentina before the international break. Then, against AC Milan in the derby, he also sat on the bench.
As Tuttosport note, Pavard was right amongst the celebrations for the emphatic 5-1 drubbing of city rivals Milan despite not playing.
And the 27-year-old had strongly pushed to make the move from Bayern.
There are high expectations for Pavard considering his international and club experience. It is certainly only a matter of time before he begins fighting for a starting place in defense.
And according to Tuttosport, that first start may already come on Wednesday evening.
Benjamin Pavard Could Start For Inter Milan Vs Real Sociedad In UCL
So far this season, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has gone with virtually the same starting eleven in each of the Nerazzurri’s four Serie A matches.
However, that will soon have to start changing. Inter are now back to playing two matches per week with the Champions League returning.
And former Bayern defender Pavard could be among the changes for this week’s Champions League group stage opener.
Against all of Monza, Cagliari, and Fiorentina, and Milan, Inzaghi has stared Matteo Darmian on the right of the back three.
But against La Real, the veteran former Manchester United man could make way for Pavard.
Meanwhile, Tuttosport also expect Francesco Acerbi to retain his place in the lineup from the derby.
However, there is some question of where the 35-year-old will play.
Acerbi could once again start in the middle of the back three, with Stefan de Vrij on the bench. But on the other hand, he could also start on the left, with Alessandro Bastoni possibly dropping out of the lineup.