Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is confident that he can be fit for Turkey’s upcoming Nations League clash with Iceland.
The 30-year-old updated on his condition speaking to Turkish broadcaster TV8.5, via FCInterNews.
Calhanoglu was only able to play as a substitute in yesterday’s match between Turkey and Wales.
The Inter midfielder is certainly a player who would normally start for Turkey. He captains his national side, and is a vital player in midfield as he is for his club.
But the 30-year-old is not currently at 100%.
Calhanoglu started for Inter in their last match before the international break, a 4-0 Serie A win over Atalanta. But he was not able to see out the full ninety minutes of that match.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi revealed that the reason that he had removed Calhanoglu for Kristjan Asllani was that the Turk had felt a bit of a muscle problem.
Inter Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu Confident Of Fitness: ‘Hope To Play Vs Iceland’
Naturally, minor injuries and a lack of physical condition are common problems this early on in the season.
Calhanoglu did manage to play around half an hour against Wales yesterday.
But on Monday, the former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen man could start. Turkey’s second Nations League match of the break is against Iceland.
And that could be good news for Inter, if it means that Calhanoglu shakes off his muscle problem and returns from the break with greater match-sharpness.
Calhanoglu said of his condition that “Thank God, I’m feeling better.”
“I had four days of rest,” the Inter midfielder continued. “And now I hope that I can play in our next match.”
Meanwhile, Calhanoglu also reacted to being named on the thirty-player shortlist for this year’s Ballon D’Or.
“We’re all very happy,” the 30-year-old said.
“We, and my friends in the team, all want to represent our country at our best.”
“I know that will be difficult. But it’s an honour for me to make that shortlist.”
