Key Türkiye Midfielder Eyes Injury Return In AC Milan Vs Inter Milan Serie A Derby | OneFootball

Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is targeting a return from injury in next month’s Serie A derby between AC Milan and Inter Milan.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They report that Turk won’t be fit to face Lecce, but could be on the bench against Monaco.

Inter midfielder Calhanoglu has been out for the last few matches with an injury.

The 30-year-old picked up a minor thigh problem during the Supercoppa Italiana final against AC Milan.

Then, during that recovery process, Calhanoglu suffered a calf strain.

Therefore, the Turkish international has hardly been able to just rush back to the pitch.

Hakan Calhanoglu Targets Return In AC Milan Vs Inter Serie A Clash

Calhanoglu has missed Serie A matches against Venezia, Bologna, and Empoli. He was also out for Wednesday’s Champions League win over Sparta Prague.

Meanwhile, Calhanoglu will not return for Inter’s next match. The Nerazzurri face Lecce away in Serie A this weekend.

However, the Gazzetta report, Calhanoglu could already be in the squad for next week’s Champions League outing against Monaco.

The Turk’s fitness is a bit touch-and-go at this point. But there is every chance of his at least being on the bench for that European match.

In that case, the target would be for Calhanoglu to get some minutes off the bench.

Then, the real target for a proper return would be the derby against AC Milan.

The derby is the first match of February for Inter.

Calhanoglu has already been bitterly disappointed to be on the losing side in derby clashes with the Rossoneri in both Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana this season.

The hunger for revenge is certainly there, for Inter as a whole and for Calhanoglu.

Therefore, the derby looks to be the match where Calhanoglu wants to be back and at his best.