Inter: Thuram targets Napoli return, Chivu’s Roma field young attack | OneFootball

Inter looks ahead and hopes to welcome Marcus Thuram back soon. The French forward, sidelined with a muscle issue picked up against Slavia Prague, is aiming to return in time for the big clash on October 25 against Napoli, the reigning champions of Italy.

Inter, Thuram prepares his return: target Napoli. Against Roma, a youthful attack for Chivu

Optimism reigns at Pinetina, but so does caution. The latest checks have confirmed the hoped-for progress: Thuram’s recovery is proceeding on schedule, without setbacks. However, the Nerazzurri’s medical staff doesn’t want to take risks with a muscle—the hamstring—that has caused problems in the past for the former Borussia Mönchengladbach striker.

“Better to wait a few more days than risk a relapse,” is the shared approach in Appiano. The goal remains clear: to get Thuram back on the pitch at peak condition against Napoli, even if only for part of the match.

Champions League scenario: possible spot on the bench in Belgium against Union

The chances of seeing him already against Roma, on Saturday, October 18 at the Olimpico, are slim. However, if next week’s tests confirm a full recovery, Thuram could be back among the squad for the Champions League trip to Belgium against Union, scheduled for Tuesday, October 21.

An intermediate step useful to reacquaint himself with the pitch before the big match at San Siro against Napoli, where his presence—even just for a cameo—would be crucial for Chivu’s attack.

Roma-Inter, attacking emergency: Bonny–Esposito to lead the line

In the meantime, the clash with Roma will likely feature a “youth-format” attack. With Lautaro Martinez only expected back midweek from South America, and Thuram still in recovery, Chivu is ready to place his trust in the young Bonny–Esposito pairing.

The two Nerazzurri talents have impressed in recent outings and now represent a concrete and reliable solution. Their understanding, combined with their athletic freshness, gives Chivu a credible alternative without having to rush the starters back.

“Against Roma we’ll need energy and tactical discipline,” a member of Inter’s coaching staff is said to have confided. “Bonny and Esposito have shown they deserve minutes.”

Towards Napoli: Thuram’s chase

The next two weeks will be decisive for Marcus Thuram’s return. The French forward wants to be there against Napoli, aware of the importance of that match in the title race. Inter, for its part, does not intend to accelerate the timeline, but hopes to be able to count on its number 9 precisely in the game that will mark the league’s restart after the break.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.