Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has revealed that midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu isn’t available to play against Lecce.
The coach spoke to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews, before the match. He explained that the Turk will also have to be assessed in view of Wednesday’s match against Atalanta.
Inter will be without a number of regular starters in this evening’s match.
Nerazzurri coach has made a total of seven changes to the team that beat Atletico Madrid in midweek.
In some cases, the reason for rotating is simply by the coach’s choice. Inzaghi has left out the likes of Nicolo Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, and Benjamin Pavard in order to rest them.
But other players are not available for selection at all.
Striker Marcus Thuram is absent through a thigh injury.
And keeper Yann Sommer is missing due to flu-like illness.
And according to Inzaghi, Calhanoiglu is another player who is not available. The coach feels that his hand was forced by the 30-year-old former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder’s fitness.
This would also seem to mean that there is no chance of seeing Calhanoglu from the bench.
And that the Turkish international’s presence in the upcoming match against Atalanta is also in some doubt.
Inzaghi Reveals Hakan Calhanoglu “Not Available” Vs Lecce
Regarding Calhanoglu’s absence, Inzaghi said that “He’s not available today.”
“Then we’ll see how the situation looks on Wednesday,” the coach looked ahead to Wednesday’s match.
As far as Alexis Sanchez starting, Inzaghi said that “With the team playing so many matches, managing our energy is important.”
And as far as goalkeeper Emil Audero, who makes his first Serie A start for Inter, Inzaghi said that “The environment hasn’t been ideal for him to play.”
“But he’s made over 200 appearances in Serie A,”
“He’s fit in to the team in the best way possible.”
“I’ve been thinking about giving him his league debut for some time,” the coach added. “I’m calm.”
