Forward Alexis Sanchez is set to start for Inter Milan in this evening’s Champions League group stage clash with Red Bull Salzburg.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews. The newspaper anticipates that the Chilean former Arsenal and Manchester United veteran will replace Marcus Thuram in the lineup.
Chilean international Sanchez was an unused substitute in Inter’s Serie A win over Torino on Saturday evening.
The 34-year-old had played in both of his national team’s matches during the break. Therefore, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi opted to rest him.
It was Davy Klaassen who replaced Martinez when the Argentine came off late in the match.
But that does not mean that Sanchez won’t be fit to play this evening.
And according to the Gazzetta, the former Barcelona and Udinese forward won’t just play – he will do so from the start.
Alexis Sanchez To Start For Inter Milan Vs Red Bull Salzburg
Nerazzurri coach Inzaghi will certainly have to make some changes to the team that beat Torino.
It’s only been three days since that match, and the coach will be thinking about resting some key starters.
And according to the Corriere, one player to make way will be Thuram. The Frenchman has been virtually omnipresent in Inter’s starting eleven this season, whilst he has also featured regularly for France in both international breaks.
Therefore, Thuram will get a rest this evening.
The 26-year-old would be available to come off the bench. But he will not be in Inter’s starting eleven.
Rather, Sanchez will be the player to start alongside Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez in attack.
The Corriere’s complete predicted Inter starting eleven for this evening’s group stage match is as follows:
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Sanchez, Lautaro.