Defender Alessandro Bastoni is a doubt for the upcoming Serie A match between Juventus and Inter Milan due to a calf strain.
The Italian national team give an official fitness update on the 24-year-old, via FCInterNews. It is confirmed that Bastoni has suffered a muscle strain rather than just muscular fatigue.
Yesterday Bastoni picked up an injury whilst training with the Italian national team.
There had been questions about the severity of the problem.
And as far as the recovery timeline for the 24-year-old, the big question naturally concerns more than just his availability for upcoming international fixtures.
Italy face North Macedonia and Ukraine in EURO 2024 qualifiers. Bastoni looks to be out for those matches.
Therefore Azzurri coach Luciano Spalletti has called up Roma defender Gianluca Mancini in Bastoni’s place.
But there’s also the matter of a very important club fixture on the horizon.
Alessandro Bastoni A Doubt For Juventus Vs Inter Clash
The hope could have been that Bastoni had only picked up some slight muscular fatigue.
But that does not look to be the case. On the contrary, medical tests confirm that the 24-year-old has suffered a full-on muscle strain.
It is certainly not a given that Bastoni will not be able to return to the pitch in time for the Serie A match against Juventus after the break.
But that is looking distinctly possible.
Naturally, the Derby d’Italia between the Nerazzurri and the Bianconmeri is always one of the most eagerly-anticipated match of both teams’ seasons.
Moreover, that match will pit first against second in the Serie A table. Therefore, it has the air of a potential title-decider.
Both teams will surely be aiming to put out as strong a team as possible for that match.
As such, Bastoni’s fitness will be something that Inter coach Simone Inzaghi is following with bated breath.
