Inter Milan & Italy Star Set To Miss Four Weeks As German Defender Anticipates Opportunity | OneFootball

Inter Milan have been dealt a significant blow with Francesco Acerbi ruled out for roughly a month after suffering a flexor issue during the defeat to Liverpool.

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the experienced Italy international will not return before mid-January.

Therefore, forcing Cristian Chivu to reshuffle his defensive structure.

With Acerbi sidelined, Inter are set to lean heavily on Yann Bisseck and Manuel Akanji.

Indeed, a pairing already used at various points this season alongside Alessandro Bastoni.

Inter Milan Prepare To Lean On Bisseck As Acerbi Not Expected Back Until Bologna Clash

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Francesco Acerbi

of FC Internazionale Milano in action during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

In recent outings, Chivu has preferred to position the Swiss defender centrally while deploying Bisseck on the right of the back three.

It is the role he consistently occupied under Simone Inzaghi.

This revamped defensive unit will star on Sunday against Genoa.

Indeed, before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Supercoppa Italiana.

Based on Acerbi’s projected recovery timeline, Inter are expected to play at least five matches without him.

Potentially six if they reach the final in Riyadh, with Akanji anchoring the defence and Bisseck operating as the right-sided centre-back.

Chivu will also keep Stefan de Vrij in the rotation, offering another option in the middle as the fixtures intensify.