Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has given a reassuring update regarding the fitness of striker Marcus Thuram.
Speaking in a press conference after the team’s Champions League win over Benfica, as reported by FCInterNews, the coach made clear that there were no serious issues underlying the Frenchman’s substitution during the match.
Striker Thuram scored his third ever goal for Inter yesterday evening.
And it may well have been the 26-year-old’s most important one yet following his summer move from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Thuram broke the deadlock to give Inter three points in their second Champions League group stage match of the campaign.
It was an evening to remember for the Frenchman. But he did not see out the full ninety minutes.
Inter coach Inzaghi decided to take Thuram off as a substitute during the second half.
Alexis Sanchez took the 26-year-old’s place.
There may have been one or two worries that this was because of a physical problem that Thuram had been suffering. But Inzaghi has made clear that it doesn’t seem to be anything serious.
Inter Coach Simone Inzaghi Reassures On Fitness Of Marcus Thuram
Inzaghi hailed his team’s “Amazing second half.”
“We’ve already seen this Inter with this intensity. And to think that we returned from Salerno at 4:00 am on Sunday.”
Inzaghi noted that “Thuram had a bit of a sore calf, let’s hope it’s nothing.”
“The medical staff aren’t worried, but we have to wait 24 hours.”
Of the good performance by Benjamin Pavard on his first appearance at the San Siro, Inzaghi said that “We know his quality.”
“When his name came up in discussions with the club directors I was enthusiastic,” the coach continued. “He’s an amazing player.”
“He’s fitted in well, he’s a world champion.”
“I’ve been happy to see how he’s fit in. There are Thuram and Mkhitaryan here who speak French, and they’ve helped him fit in.”
Inzaghi made clear that “Benfica are still a team with top players.”
“And as far as the group is concerned, I knew it would be very balanced.”
“Benfica are now last in the group,” he commented. “But it’s clear that they won’t end up with zero points.”
Inzaghi predicted that “Qualification will be decided in the last few matches.”
The Inter coach also noted that “We were expecting Musa and Cabral. Instead we got Neres, Di Maria, and Rafa Silva.”
And asked whether this had been a return of great Champions League nights for Inter, Inzaghi replied “Absolutely. It was a second half with incredible intensity.”