Inter Milan Receive Major Boost Ahead Of Arsenal UEFA Champions League Clash – Turkey Captain Starts | OneFootball

Inter Milan have received a decisive fitness boost for the upcoming clash against Arsenal, with Hakan Calhanoglu returning to the starting XI.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by FCInterNews, the Turkey national team captain has regained full fitness.

Hakan Calhanoglu slumped to a thigh injury in a 1-0 Serie A win against Roma in mid-October.

Therefore, he was unavailable for selection when Inter squeezed past Young Boys 1-0 in the last UEFA Champions League round.

But he returned to the fold at the weekend.

Simone Inzaghi used him as a late second-half substitute in a 1-0 home victory against newly promoted Venezia.

With Arsenal rolling into town on Wednesday, the former AC Milan playmaker is ready for his first start in a fortnight.

Inter Milan Receive Major Boost Ahead of Arsenal UEFA Champions League Clash As Hakan Calhanoglu Returns From Injury

During Calhanoglu’s short-term spell on the sidelines, Inter relied on Nicolo Barella to fill the vacancy.

However, despite the Italian midfielder’s dynamic performances, his creativity shortcomings came to the fore.

Inzaghi tried to compensate for Calhanoglu’s absence by fielding Piotr Zielinski in his position against Venezia.

Yet, it didn’t work well, especially in the first half.

Like Barella, the Polish ace is more comfortable in advanced positions.

Therefore, Calhanoglu’s return from injury is paramount.

In addition to the Turkish star, Inzaghi will have Francesco Acerbi at his disposal on Wednesday.

The veteran defender also picked up an injury against Roma.

But unlike Calhanoglu, he spent last Sunday’s game against Venezia on the bench.

There’s a chance he could gain some minutes against Arsenal.

However, it’s more likely he’ll start on the bench, with Stefan de Vrij ready to take his place.

Inter and Arsenal head into proceedings as two of only five teams in this season’s Champions League yet to concede a goal.