Ex AC Milan Star Only Fit For The Bench For Inter Milan In Serie A Derby | OneFootball

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu will only be ready to start on the bench in the derby against AC Milan.

This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews. They anticipate that Kristjan Asllani or Piotr Zielinski could start in holding midfield for Inter in Sunday’s Serie A clash.

Inter midfielder Calhanoglu has been on the sidelines for a few weeks now.

The 30-year-old picked up a thigh problem during the Supercoppa Italiana final against Milan earlier this month.

Then, Hakan Calhanoglu suffered a separate injury during his recovery process. That was a calf strain, which has kept him out since the Supercoppa.

Calhanoglu has missed four Serie A matches and two Champions League outings.

Hakan Calhanoglu Only Fit For The Bench In AC Milan Vs Inter Derby

Hakan Calhanoglu has returned to fitness.

The Turkish international has made his return to full training.

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale looks on during the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 09, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Therefore, Calhanoglu will certainly be pushing for a return to the starting eleven soon,

The derby against Milan would certainly have the feel of an ideal match in which to do so for the 30-year-old.

Matches against his former side the Rossoneri are always emotional ones for Calhanoglu. Particularly with the desire for revenge after two losses in the fixture this season.

However, that does not mean Calhanoglu can simply rush back into the lineup.

There would be doubts about the Turkish international’s math fitness and form. Moreover, there could well be risks of reinjury.

Therefore, Tuttosport reports, Calhanoglu will likely have to settle for a place on the bench.

Kristjan Asllani, or Piotr Zielinski, could start the derby at the base of Inter’s midfield.