Inter Milan have confirmed that midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has suffered a muscle strain ahead of their Serie A match against Atalanta.
The club made an official statement regarding medical tests that the Turkish international underwent today. These revealed a “slight muscle strain” in the player’s right thigh.
Yesterday evening, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi confirmed that Calhanoglu was not at his best condition physically.
This was the reason why the 30-year-old did not play against Lecce.
And this morning, the former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder underwent tests as expected.
Inter Confirm Hakan Calhanoglu Suffers “Slight Muscle Strain” Ahead Of Atalanta Clash
The tests confirmed that Calhanoglu has suffered a slight muscle strain in the adductor longus muscle of his right thigh.
Now, the big question will concern when Calhanoglu will be able to return.
It would seem virtually out of the question that the midfielder will be able to return in time for the team’s next match.
Inter play again in just two days. They host Atalanta in Serie A on Wednesday evening.
That match will be played in midweek, as it is a make-up match for the fixture that the Nerazzurri missed whilst participating in the Supercoppa Italiana last month.
However, it is not exactly clear when Calhanoglu will be able to return beyond that.
The following two matches in Serie A are against Genoa and Bologna.
And then, there will be the hugely important Champions League round of sixteen second leg away to Atletico Madrid. That is certainly a match in which Inter would want a key player like Calhanoglu available.
Calhanoglu’s recovery timeline should become clearer in the next couple of days.
Then, there can be clear ideas as to which matches the Turk will be able to return in.
However, it is virtually certain that he will miss the match against Atalanta.