Lautaro Martinez is likely to return from injury for Inter Milan against Hellas Verona next weekend, but as a substitute rather than a starter.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Inter have had the unfamiliar experience of playing without their captain Martinez in the last couple matches.
The Argentine international picked up a thigh problem in a Coppa Italia clash with Bologna earlier in the month.
This has seen Martinez miss out on Serie A matches against Lecce and Genoa.
At home to Lecce, Inter coped perfectly well without their captain. They secured a convincing 2-0 victory.
But away in Liguria against newly-promoted Genoa yesterday, the 26-year-old striker’s absence was perhaps more pronounced.
Inter lacked some inspiration in the final third as they saw out a 1-1 draw.
Lautaro Martinez Likely Back For Inter Vs Verona – But From The Bench
Naturally, Inter will want to see Martinez back on the pitch as soon as possible.
And it looks very probable that the Argentine will be fit for the Nerazzurri’s next match.
Inter kick off 2024 with a Serie A match against Verona at the San Siro.
And that match against the Gialloblu has long been the target for Martinez to return.
The Gazzetta confirm that Martinez is on track in terms of his recovery to be able to play a role in that match.
But, the newspaper anticipates, it is likelier that he’ll start on the bench rather than in the lineup.
Martinez will only just be coming back from injury. And Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi will have little desire to rush the captain back to action.
So Martinez should in all likelihood remain out of the starting eleven.
Then at some point during the match, the Inter captain can come on and start re-finding his rhythm.
