Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed that wingback Juan Cuadrado could require surgery, and Inter Milan are considering a January replacement.

The Sky Sport Italia transfer market expert reported on the Colombian’s situation live on air, via FCInterNews.

Inter signed veteran former Juventus, Chelsea, and Fiorentina wingback Cuadrado during the summer.

The 35-year-old came in on a free transfer.

Inter signed Cuadrado with the intention of having an experienced backup for Denzel Dumfries on the right flank. The Colombian has a different stylistic profile than the Dutchman as well.

But so far this season, Cuadrado has had a limited impact for Inter.

The reason has certainly not been any lack of quality. Cuadrado’s talent is not in any doubt, as was seen across his eight years with the Bianconeri.

But Cuadrado has had persistent fitness problems.

The culprit has been some tendon problems in the 35-year-old’s right calf.

Di Marzio: Cuadrado Could Undergo Surgery, Inter Could Replace In January

Cuadrado finally made his first ever start for Inter on Tuesday against Real Sociedad.

The Colombian in fact saw out the full ninety minutes of that match.

But if that seemed like a positive sign for Cuadrado from a fitness perspective, it may well have been nothing more than a false dawn.

And if it turns out that the 35-year-old will need surgery, then that could change Inter’s plans.

Di Marzio explained that “The diktat for the January transfer window is hunting for opportunities.”

“Inter, in fact, will work to reinforce on the right flank for the rest of the season,” he claimed.

“Denzel Dumfries, in fact, is the only player who can give guarantees in that position.”

“Juan Cuadrado, on the other hand, is not a fitness guarantee,” Di Marzio noted.

He explained that “The former Juventus player is playing with an ongoing physical issue. And he could have to undergo surgery on his Achilles tendon.”

“It would be out of the question for Inter to go from now until the end of the season with just one player in the position,” Di Marzio suggested.

“Therefore, Inter could decide to try and reinforce on the right flank. They could look for an opportunity in the January transfer window.”