Inter Milan are hoping that an injury that striker Marko Arnautovic in yesterday’s Serie A win over Empoli isn’t a muscle tear.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. The newspaper report that the Nerazzurri fear that the thigh injury could sideline the Austrian for a number of months.
There were few negative aspects to yesterday afternoon for Inter.
The Nerazzurri made it five wins from five in Serie A, recording maximum points in a tricky away match.
But one thing that did mar the match towards the end was the sight of striker Arnautovic coming off with an injury.
The Austrian former West Ham United, Stoke City, and Bologna man had only come on during the second half. He replaced captain Lautaro Martinez just after the seventieth minute.
But Arnautovic was only on the pitch for under twenty minutes before suffering an injury.
The problem occurred when the 34-year-old seem to overextend his left leg a bit whilst challenging for the ball.
Arnautovic immediately showed a grimace of pain and began holding on to his left thigh. The striker immediately exited the pitch, where the Inter team doctor had a look at him.
Inter Milan Hoping Marko Arnautovic Hasn’t Suffered Muscle Tear
What’s clear is that the problem for Arnautovic concerned his left thigh.
But tests have not yet determined precisely the nature, or severity, of the issue.
Inter are hoping that it will turn out to be a fairly minor strain. Then, Arnautovic would be able to get back on the pitch within a few weeks, in all likelihood.
On the other hand, if it is a serious muscle tear, the Gazzetta anticipates that the 34-year-old may very well miss 45 days or more. His absence would stretch into months.
In any event, the Gazzetta report, Inter will not sign an emergency replacement for Arnautovic on a free transfer.
If the problem proves to be bad enough that the Austrian is still not a reliable option in January, the Nerazzurri may well feel that it’s necessary to go in search of a new striker during the transfer window.
But they won’t sign anyone before then.
