Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu will be gradually reintroduced into the starting eleven against Venezia, Arsenal, and Napoli.
This according to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews. They report that the 30-year-old is back from injury, but that the target is to have him back in the starting lineup against Napoli.
Inter have been without Calhanoglu for their last few matches.
The Turk started the Nerazzurri’s Serie A match against Roma last month. However, he was only able to see out the first ten minutes or so before a thigh problem forced him out.
Subsequent medical tests confirmed that Calhanoglu had suffered a thigh strain.
Therefore, the 30-year-old was not in the squad for matches against Young Boys in the Champions League and then Juventus and Empoli in Serie A.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has tried out a couple of solutions in holding midfield in Calhanoglu’s absence.
Both Nicolo Barella and Piotr Zielinski have played in the position in the past couple weeks.
The fact that Kristjan Asllan, Calhanoglu’s natural backup in the Inter squad, has also been dealing with a knock has made things all the more tricky for Inzaghi.
Hakan Calhanoglu To Be Gradually Reintroduced Vs Venezia, Arsenal & Napoli
Calhanoglu has fully recovered from his injury though. He will be part of the Inter squad for this evening’s Serie A match against Venezia.
That does not mean that Calhanoglu will start the match, however.
Initiallly, Inzaghi considered putting the Turkish international straight back into the lineup.
However, the Inter coach eventually deemed that to be too much of a fitness risk.
Rather, Calhanoglu should in all likelihood come onto the pitch as a substitute during the second half.
The aim will be to give the former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen midfield a run-out.
And then, against Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday, Sky report that Calhanoglu does not look likely to start, reports Sky.
Rather, it will be another substitute appearance for the 30-year-old.
Then, next weekend, Inzaghi will aim to have Calhanoglu at his best. With a couple of substitute appearances in his legs.
Next Sunday, Inter host Napoli in Serie A. That match against the league leaders already has the feel of a potential title-decider.
Therefore, Inzaghi considers it a priority to have a key player like Calhanoglu not just available, but in his best form.