Torino defensive trio Alessandro Buongiorno, David Zima, and Saba Sazonov are targeting a return to action in the Serie A against Inter Milan this weekend.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Prior to the international break, Torino coach Ivan Juric had something of a defensive injury crisis on his hands.
Given that the Croatian tactician plays with a back three, it became tough for the team to coach with several defensive injuries.
30-year-old Ivorian international Kofi Djidji had been out for the start of the season with a serious knee injury.
Meanwhile, Alessandro Buongiorno has been missing through a muscle issue since the start of the month. And Czech international David Zima has also been absent for a few weeks, due to a knee problem.
Lastly, summer signing Saba Sazonov missed out on the Derby della Mole against Juventus. This was due to a serious bruise on the Georgian’s instep.
This meant that in the match against the Bianconeri, Torino’s last prior to the break, midfielder Adrien Tameze had to deputize as part of the defense. The 29-year-old started alongside Perr Schuurs and Ricardo Rodriguez.
The Granata won’t likely have to rely on this kind of makeshift defense against Inter, however.
Torino Trio Buongiorno, Zima & Sazonov Pushing To Be Fit For Inter Clash
The biggest question has concerned the fitness of 24-year-old defender Buongiorno.
The Italian international has become a key figure in Torino’s backline. The Granata have felt Buongiorno’s absence in their last few matches before the break.
It has looked for some time as though Buongiorno’s fitness for Saturday would be touch-and-go.
According to the Gazzetta, optimism is increasing.
Buongiorno will return to training at match tempo tomorrow. The last couple days before Saturday’s match should reveal whether the 24-year-old will be fit enough for the bench, or even to start against Inter.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Czech international Zima is also expecting to be back to face the Nerazzurri.
The same is true of Sazonov, who had missed the derby but is now all but ready to return.
