Defender Francesco Acerbi and striker Alvaro Morata will both miss next week’s Champions League match between Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Prior to this weekend, it looked like a key battle in next Tuesday’s match at the San Siro would be between Acerbi and Morata.
The two players have played key roles for their respective sides over the last couple seasons.
Acerbi has been the first-choice defender in the centre of Inter’s back three. The veteran former Lazio defender has been a consistent presence keeping top strikers quiet both domestically and in Europe.
Meanwhile, Morata has been in blazing form this season. The Spaniard has found the back of the net thirteen times in La Liga, and five in the Champions League.
The physical and tactical battle between the pair therefore seemed like it could play a decisive role in the Champions League round of sixteen first leg.
Acerbi keeping Morata from holding the ball up for the Colchoneros would be vital.
Acerbi & Morata Both Miss Inter Vs Atletico Madrid UCL Clash
However, the Gazzetta report, neither of the two experienced players will be available for next week’s match.
For Acerbi, the problem is a calf strain that he sustained against Roma on Saturday.
This will be enough to see the 35-year-old miss a couple matches. He will be out for Friday’s Serie A match against Salernitana, as well as the Atletico clash.
Acerbi will aim for either the match against Lecce on the 25th, or Atalanta on the 28th, to return.
Therefore, it will be Stefan de Vrij marshalling the Inter defense in the first leg against Atletico.
But the Dutchman will not be marking Morata.
The Spaniard should be out for two or three weeks due to a knee problem he sustained against Sevilla over the weekend.
In all likelihood, Morata should return for the second leg like Acerbi. But he certainly won’t play any part next Tuesday.
