Inter Handed Decisive Injury Boost Ahead of Milan Derby | OneFootball

Reigning Serie A champions Inter have received a crucial injury boost ahead of Sunday’s mouth-watering clash against Milan. According to Sky Sport Italia via FCInterNews, Hakan Calhanoglu has made the matchday squad after a month on the sidelines.

Calhanoglu’s last start for Inter was against none other than Milan. Indeed, he faced his former club in the Supercoppa Italiana final earlier this month. However, a muscle injury forced him off already in the first half as the Rossoneri came from behind to beat his side 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.

Since returning from Saudi Arabia, Calhanoglu has missed all six matches across all competitions, including a thumping 3-0 home win against Monaco in midweek Champions League action. Inter boss Simone Inzaghi refused to force his talismanic playmaker’s return on Wednesday and could be duly rewarded for his rise-averse approach.

Indeed, Calhanoglu seems fit and ready to help Inter avenge consecutive derby losses and maintain pressure on Serie A pacesetters Napoli. Inzaghi’s charges trail the Partenopei by three points pre-round, though they have a game in hand.

Krstijan Asllani took care of the playmaking role in his absence but failed to live up to the billing, often being criticized for his substandard performances.

Therefore, Calhanoglu’s return to fitness could be a decisive factor in the 182nd Serie A edition of the Derby della Madonnina. Inter can’t afford a slip-up as they bid to extend their remarkable 15-game unbeaten league streak.

Inter embarked on this run in mid-September, immediately after losing to Milan.