Inter Milan Vs Liverpool – Cristian Chivu Delivers Alarming Fitness Update On Man City Owned Star: “Wasn’t Feeling Well Today, We Will See Tomorrow” | OneFootball

Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu confirmed that Manuel Akanji could miss tomorrow night’s clash against Liverpool.

During the pre-match conference via FCInterNews, Chivu delivered a worrying fitness update on the Swiss center-back.

With high-profile matches against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund on the horizon, Inter cannot afford a slip-up on Tuesday.

Indeed, Chivu’s men are on the verge of securing a second consecutive automatic Champions League last-16 qualification.

Despite losing to Atletico Madrid last time out, the Nerazzurri remain within touching distance of another top-eight finish in the league phase.

However, their lofty ambitions are about to face a stern test, as they take on Liverpool in one of this round’s standout fixtures.

Though the Reds head into the game amid a rough patch, Cristian Chivu knows better than to underestimate the Premier League champions.

Meanwhile, visiting manager Arne Slot will likely fight to keep his job at San Siro, further raising the stakes of an already high-pressure showdown.

Cristian Chivu Offers Damning Fitness Update on Manuel Akanji Ahead of Inter Milan vs Liverpool Clash

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Manuel Akanji of Internazionale looks on as he warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Manuel Akanji featured in Saturday’s Serie A win over Como.

Yet, the 30-year-old defender is at risk of missing tomorrow’s game after missing today’s training session.

“Manu didn’t train today because he wasn’t feeling well,” Chivu confirmed. “We’ll see about him tomorrow.”

Then, he praised Francesco Acerbi.

“He’s the defender with the most minutes, or maybe he’s level with Bastoni and Akanji.

“Bisseck has started to show what we’ve been looking for, and lately, he has played a bit more.

“I make my choices based on what I see and on the help they can give the team.

“Acerbi has shown he can easily play every three days.

“With the way he trains and how he’s built, he recovers very quickly; he could play every three days without any problem.”

Meanwhile, Chivu addressed the long-term absences of Matteo Darmian and Denzel Dumfries.

“They’re still out, and I don’t know for how long,” he said. “Honestly, I can’t tell you. They’re improving.

“Matteo will soon start his conditioning and rehab program, and Denzel is doing some work in the gym without putting too much weight on his ankle.

“He walks without pain, but in my opinion, it will still take some time.”

Inter Milan Coach Cristian Chivu Heaps Praise on Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, acknowledges the fans after the team’s victory in the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“Liverpool’s motto is intensity,” Chivu claimed. “Something Klopp brought in and Slot is trying to maintain, and he’s succeeding since they won the Premier League.

“This year, they started well, then they hit some difficulties, but it’s a team built for this type of match.

“They’re one of the most decorated and prestigious clubs in the world. We know what they bring to the pitch and the collective value of this team.

“We want to be like them, but they have a history and a culture – they’re born that way.

“And the way football is lived in England is different from Italy.

“I’m not saying it’s better or worse, but the approach to everything involving football is different.”

Asked whether Inter can replicate their high press against Como tomorrow, Chivu replied: “Everything can be replicated.

“But it depends on the match, on the opponent, on our energy levels.

“Everything depends on the energy you bring, and it’s not easy to maintain that attitude when you play every three days. It’s not an excuse – it’s a fact.

“You have to learn to read the moments, understand when you can do it and when you need to catch your breath.

“Pressing also needs to be done without losing balance or exposing yourself. It depends on many things.

“We’re trying to instill this mentality in the team; sometimes they do it well, other times, I also understand we need to drop deeper.

“Marcus, for example, knows it’s not simple, so you always have to find the right compromise to avoid being punished.”

Cristian Chivu Comments on Mohamed Salah Potential Omission

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 01: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on December 01, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah is likely to miss tomorrow’s match at San Siro after falling out of favor with Arne Slot.

However, Chivu believes that Salah’s absence will not derail Liverpool’s scoring potential.

“We know what Salah represents for world football and what he has given to the game.

“It’s not a concern of mine; they have players who can replace him, and the level will remain high.

“Liverpool are a great collective; you shouldn’t talk about individuals. They have a lot of quality.”

Asked whether the Reds are more suited to Inter’s style of play, Chivu responded: “We’ll see tomorrow. On paper, on the board, or in video sessions, everything looks easy.

“The problem is that on the pitch, you have to reinforce what’s easy to say.

“We all know about Liverpool’s intensity, about their quality – both individual and collective.

“But we also know what we’re capable of.

“We’ve carried the Italian flag high in Europe and made people talk about us because you don’t reach three European finals in a short time out of nowhere.

“And that should be highlighted. This team deserves some credit regardless of the final outcome.”

Inter Milan Manager Cristian Chivu Highlights Importance of Beating Liverpool

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu believes that beating Liverpool would help Inter erase the memory of last season’s Champions League final.

“It’s difficult to assess everything they still carry inside,” he added. “What I know – what I’m certain of – is the work and commitment the boys put in every day to be competitive this season.

“What happened last year is gone.

“You must accept it with your back straight and your head held high, so you can have a new season in which you have to raise the level and do everything to stay competitive.

“I don’t know if a win will give you something or if a defeat will take something away.

“What I do know is that after every defeat, we’ve always reacted.

“In our day-to-day work, we do a lot to overcome certain moments, improve and become stronger.

“It’s not easy for them either. They’ve gone through major changes, with a new coach who asks for more after spending four years with a different coach who achieved great things.

“They care about having a good season.”

Furthermore, he underlined Inter’s ambition to secure a top-eight finish.

“I think that’s everyone’s objective. If we end up having to play them, we’ll play them.

“Right now, we’re working on a bit of everything, trying to give everyone minutes through our rotations to get all the players in good condition and confidence.

“That would allow us, if needed, to play two extra matches.”

Cristian Chivu Hails His Inter Milan Side

PARMA, ITALY – MAY 18: Cristian Chivu head coach of Parma calcio during the Serie A match between Parma and Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 18, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I’m happy with what the boys do. I don’t build walls around myself, but bridges, because they open up your horizons.

“And I’m fortunate to have players who appreciate this approach; sometimes they might be confused.

“However, chaos can make you think more and make you more responsible – though I don’t think I’ve created too much of it.

“What pleases me is their willingness, and I’m convinced that if I ask Marcus to play as a midfielder, he’ll do it without problems.

“Just like the new players, who might have struggled more in different situations, but have given me total willingness and have shown it on the pitch.

“These are things that maybe don’t look nice to you.

“However, they’re compatible with the team’s work, trying to contribute to the cause and putting themselves at the service of the group.

“Despite the difficulties, they always give their best for the team.”