Chivu Dealing With Injury Crisis Ahead Of Inter Milan Vs Urawa Red Diamonds Clash – But Teenage Striker’s Return A Major Boost | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu is dealing with an injury crisis ahead of Inter Milan’s clash with Urawa Red Diamonds, but the return of Francesco Pio Esposito is a boost.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They report ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup group stage match.

Inter Milan take on Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds tomorrow.

The Nerazzurri will be playing in their second group stage match at the Club World Cup.

This weekend’s match is virtually a must-win encounter for the Nerazzurri. They know full well that their place in the knockouts is hanging in the balance after an opening day draw with Monterrey.

Chivu Deals With Injury Crisis Ahead Of Inter Vs Urawa Reds – But Pio Esposito Is Back

RIMINI, ITALY – MARCH 19: Francesco Pio Esposito of Italy U21 during the Italy U21 Training Session on March 19, 2024 in Rimini, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

As the Gazzetta note, Inter coach Cristian Chivu is having to work around a number of injuries.

For one thing, midfielders Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi are both still absent. Neither will return until Inter’s last group stage match against River Plate.

The same is true of wingback Denzel Dumfries.

Meanwhile, defender Yann Bisseck and midfielder Piotr Zielinski will be out for even longer. Neither will be available until at least the round of sixteen, should Inter get that far.

Mehdi Taremi is also absent. The 32-year-old is still stuck in Iran amid Israeli airstrikes.

On the other hand, teenage striker Francesco Pio Esposito is back in training. He will be available against Urawa Reds tomorrow.