Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta On Dutch Star’s Injury Ahead Of Lecce Clash: “Really Hope He Recovers Soon” | OneFootball

Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta delivered a huge fitness update on the injured Denzel Dumfries.

Speaking to DAZN via FCInterNews, Marotta confirmed that the Dutchman’s recovery is progressing better than expected.

Furthermore, the 29-year-old underwent surgery at the beginning of December and won’t return to action until March.

However, Dumfries’ recovery is progressing faster than initially anticipated, raising hopes that he could return ahead of schedule.

Therefore, he could return to action in late February.

In the meantime, Cristian Chivu will rely on the underperforming Luis Henrique to fill the void.

Meanwhile, Andy Diouf will make his first Serie A start in tonight’s home clash against Lecce at the Brazilian’s expense.

It’s also worth noting that Matteo Darmian will start on the bench, meaning he has returned to the squad for the first time since September.

Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta Delivers Denzel Dumfries Fitness Update

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Denzel Dumfries of Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“The news of the day is that Dumfries is recovering more quickly than expected,” Marotta said before tonight’s game.

“We’ve missed him, and I hope he’ll be back at Chivu’s disposal soon.

“That said, it’s not easy to find a profile that’s up to the standards of a club like Inter.”

When asked whether it means he could be back in February, Marotta replied: “I won’t comment out of respect for the medical staff, but we’re optimistic.”

Then, he commented on Chivu’s decision to hand his Inter squad a day off.

“We’re in an innovative phase of football, where the strain on a muscle is like the strain on the brain.

“The coach knows what he’s doing and has the authority to decide.

“He gave the players a day off, but it doesn’t interfere at all with the training schedule or standards.

“If he decided to do it, then it was the right choice.”

Marotta on Inter Milan Record vs Top Serie A Teams

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I think it’s more of a statistical consideration,” he stated. “The performances against these teams have always been good.

“We’ve made some changes to the squad, fielding a lineup that has a younger defensive unit.

“So the experience to correct certain mistakes isn’t yet at the highest level. It’s part of a growth process, and Chivu knows that.

“But I’ve noticed improvement in these players, which is a good sign for the future.”

Finally, he addressed Antonio Conte’s recent statement regarding Inter’s spending.

“Absolutely not; everyone is free to express their thoughts.

“We’re in an intermediary phase where even smaller teams can trouble the big clubs, because people are now looking at the table in a way that didn’t happen at the start of the season.”