Major Injury Blow For Inter Milan – Key Midfielder Won’t Start Serie A Milan Derby Showdown With AC Milan | OneFootball

Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu will not be fit to start for Inter Milan in next weekend’s Serie A derby clash with AC Milan.

This according to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInter1908. They report that the 30-year-old will at most be able to be on the bench for the match against the Rossoneri.

Inter have been waiting for midfielder Calhanoglu to make his return from injury.

The Turkish international is an absolutely key player for the Nerazzurri in the centre of the pitch.

Therefore, Calhanoglu’s absence has come as a real blow for the team.

Inter have just about managed to cope without Calhanoglu. The likes of Kristjan Asllani and the Piotr Zielinski have started at the base of midfield in the last few matches.

However, the Nerazzurri have certainly been hoping to get Calhanoglu back as soon as possible.

Hakan Calhanoglu Won’t Be Fit For AC Milan Vs Inter Serie A Derby

On Wednesday, Inter take on Monaco in the Champions League.

Then, next Sunday it is the big one. The Nerazzurri face city rivals AC Milan in the second league derby of the season.

CAGLIARI, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Stefan de Vrij of Inter in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on December 28, 2024 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

The Rossoneri have already beaten Inter twice this season, in Serie A and in the Supercoppa Italiana.

Therefore, there is a real hunger to get some measure of revenge in the fixture.

Moreover, taking three points will be important considering the pressure of the title race with Napoli.

As such, the derby is the match that Inter have really hoped to get Hakan Calhanoglu back in.

Meanwhile, for the 30-year-old, matches against the Rossoneri always hold a particular significance. He played for the club for four seasons, and there is no love lost with his former side.

The hope has been that Calhanoglu could be in the squad for Wednesday’s match against Monaco.

Then, the Turk could potentially get some minutes in his legs ahead of the derby.

However, reports Sky, Hakan Calhanoglu has yet to return to training. Therefore, he will not be available against Monaco.

Accordingly, the broadcaster anticipates, there would be very little chance of Calhanoglu being fit to start in the derby. At most, he could begin the match on the bench.