Report – Spain Star Pulls Out Of Inter Milan Squad For Behind-Closed-Doors Friendly | OneFootball

Goalkeeper Josep Martinez pulled out of Inter Milan’s squad for a behind-closed-doors friendly match against the Under-23 team today.

This according to Italian outlet FCInterNews. They report that the reason for the Spanish international’s absence was a minor back problem.

Inter Milan played their first behind-closed-doors friendly of the season today.

The Nerazzurri’s senior team under the direction of Cristian Chivu faced off against the newly-formed Under-23 side.

The match ended in a 7-2 win for the senior team. And more importantly, it was an opportunity for the squad to start getting on the pitch and building some match-fitness in their legs.

Josep Martinez Pulls Out Of Inter Squad For Behind-Closed-Doors Friendly

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Josep Martinez of FC Internazionale therefore. Moreover. However. Therefore shows appreciation to the fans following 3-2 victory after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 08, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

One player who did not have any role in the behind-closed-doors friendly was goalkeeper Josep Martinez.

The 26-year-old is the main backup to Yann Sommer at Inter.

The Nerazzurri signed Martinez from Genoa last summer. Reportedly their plan is to make him the long-term successor to Sommer in goal.

However, today Martinez was not able to play any part in the first friendly match of preseason.

FCInterNews report that Martinez was feeling a bit of discomfort in his back.

Therefore, the decision was not to take any risks with the Spaniard’s fitness. He sat out the friendly.