Defender Alessandro Bastoni was left out of the Inter Milan lineup for today’s friendly match against Chelsea as a precaution.
This according to Italian outlet FCInterNews. The outlet report that Bastoni was feeling a bit of muscular discomfort and so coach Simone Inzaghi decided not to risk him so close to the start of the season.
Today, Inter played their final friendly match of the preseason period.
The Nerazzurri took on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Marcus Thuram putting Inter ahead before the Blues drew level late on through midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu.
With the season starting in just a few days, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi looked to give the team he plans to use in the Serie A opener against Genoa a run-out, by and large.
However, there were a few notable absences.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu did not even travel with the squad. They stayed back in Milan to work on their fitness.
And then defender Bastoni was also somewhat of a surprise absence from the starting eleven.
Alessandro Bastoni Left Out Of Inter Squad Vs Chelsea As A Precaution
Bastoni was part of the Inter squad for today’s friendly against Chelsea.
However, the 25-year-old did not start the match, and did not come on as a substitute.
Naturally, this raised one or two worries regarding Bastoni’s condition. Inter coach Inzaghi made no shortage of substitutions, but did not use Bastoni during the match.
According to FCIN, the problem was fitness-related for the Italian international.
There was not a serious injury for Bastoni. However, there was a bit of muscle fatigue.
And therefore, Inzaghi had no intention of risking the 25-year-old in a friendly match so close to the start of the season.
Inter will be without one key defender for the Serie A opener against Genoa, in the form of Stefan de Vrij. Therefore, they will hardly want to lose Bastoni as well.
