Wingback Juan Cuadrado is “racing against time” to be fit to play in Inter Milan’s Champions League clash with Red Bull Salzburg next week.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Former Juventus, Chelsea, and Fiorentina wingback Cuadrado has been dealing with some injury problems early on in the season.
The Colombian, who joined Inter on a free transfer during the summer, played in each of the first three matches of the campaign. He came on as a substitute in each occasion.
However, Cuadrado then picked up an injury during the September international break.
The problem was diagnosed as tendinitis for the Colombian.
Therefore, when Cuadrado returned from the last international break, he was not able to appear in several matches.
However, the 35-year-old did come off the bench in Inter’s last match before the current break. He played for over half an hour against Bologna.
Juan Cuadrado “Racing Against Time” To Be Fit To Face Red Bull Salzburg
What is very clear is that Cuadrado will not be in the squad for Inter’s first match back from the current international break.
The Nerazzurri travel to face Torino away in Serie A. The Colombian will miss that match with inflammation in his left Achilles tendon.
However, it is not quite clear how long after that it will be until Cuadrado is able to return.
The 35-year-old’s calf injury is not overly serious. In fact, there has never been that major of an injury for him.
However, at the moment Cuadrado is simply working on building up fitness.
Therefore, there would be some risk of rushing the Colombian back early.
And according to the Gazzetta, there is still uncertainty around Inter’s Champions League group stage match against Salzburg next week.
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That would not be an unrealistic target for Cuadrado to be back. But by the same token, he will have to “race against time.”