Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu could make an immediate return to the Inter Milan starting eleven for this evening’s Serie A clash with Venezia.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They also report that Francesco Acerbi will definitely be on the bench after his own injury return.
Inter have gotten a big name back from injury in the form of Calhanoglu.
The Turkish international has missed the Nerazzurri’s last three matches, as well as much of their Serie A match away to Roma right after the October international break.
This has been due to a thigh strain that Calhanoglu has been recovering from.
In the meantime, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has tried a variety of solutions to cope.
The coach has also had to do without Kristjan Asllani. The Albanian suffered a knock in training and Inzaghi has decided not to risk him.
And since Asllani is Calhanoglu’s most natural backup in the squad, Inzaghi has had to improvise.
Hakan Calhanoglu Could Come Straight Back Into Inter XI Vs Venezia
One solution that Inzaghi has opted for has been to start Nicolo Barella in holding midfield where Calhanoglu has usually played.
There have been fairly mixed performances from the Italian international against the likes of Roma, Young Boys, and Empoli.
On the other hand, last weekend against Juventus, the Inter coach decided to start Piotr Zielinski at the base of midfield.
And it was an impressive performance from the Pole despite being a relatively unfamiliar role for him.
According to the Gazzetta, Zielinski is the favourite to take up the holding midfield role this evening.
But there is also a chance that Calhanoglu could start rather than returning on the bench.
The 30-year-old would certainly give Inter a very reliable presence in midfield after missing him for a few matches.