Inter faces a pre-derby injury crisis with key players Piotr Zielinski and Denzel Dumfries uncertain for the Milan clash, forcing Cristian Chivu to consider alternatives.
Inter Milan is facing mounting injury concerns as the team returns from the international break ahead of Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina. Coach Cristian Chivu is anxiously awaiting clarity on the condition of key players Piotr Zielinski and Denzel Dumfries.
According to a report from Football Italia, midfielder Zielinski returned to Appiano Gentile carrying two “troubling muscular issues” despite having an excellent performance for Poland against Malta, where he scored and assisted.
Speaking to TVP Sport, via MilanNews24, the midfielder admitted: “We knew it would be a difficult match… as for me, my calf and my lower back were very painful. I’ll recover from this game, but it hurt a lot.”
The severity of the issue remains uncertain, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that “no scans have been scheduled yet,” but Inter is planning a tailored recovery program.
Chivu had hoped to start the former Napoli man in the derby, especially with Henrikh Mkhitaryan already ruled out. If Zielinski cannot start, Petar Sucic is ready to step in.
The most delicate case remains Denzel Dumfries, whose ankle injury continues to cast a shadow over his availability.
The report notes that “optimism is fading, and there is growing pessimism within the club about his chances” of taking part at San Siro. Should Dumfries miss out, Carlos Augusto is expected to be deployed on the right flank.