Defender Francesco Acerbi is aiming to ease back into the Inter Milan team as the second leg against Atletico Madrid looms.

This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.

Acerbi has been out of action for Inter for the past couple of weeks.

The Italian international picked up a calf injury during the Nerazzurri’s Serie A win away to Roma earlier this month.

That match had seen Acerbi start. The former Lazio and Sassuolo defender had even scored Inter’s opening goal.

However, an injury forced the 35-year-old off right around the hour mark.

It was fellow former Biancocelesti defender Stefan de Vrij who replaced Acerbi for the rest of that match. And the Dutchman has started every match since, including against Atletico in the Champions League.

When Francesco Acerbi Set To Return For Inter

Now the question is when Acerbi will be able to return from his injury.

Tuttosport report that Inter will not rush the veteran defender back to the pitch.

But the second leg of the Champions League round of sixteen tie against Atletico is the clear target as far as having Acerbi not just back on the pitch, but back to something like his best.

Acerbi will not be available for either of Inter’s next two matches, Tuttosport anticipate.

Inter take on Lecce this weekend. The 35-year-old will not be part of the squad for that Serie A away trip.

Nor will Acerbi be fit for next Wednesday’s league match against Atalanta.

But the Italian international could be ready for the match against Genoa next month.

And if not then, Acerbi should likely be in the squad for the away trip to Bologna the following weekend.

The aim will be to get the 35-year-old some playing time in one or both of those matches.

That way, Acerbi should be fully up to speed for the second leg against Atletico in Madrid.