Injury crisis deepens for Inter Milan ahead of Lecce trip

Inter Milan midfield emergency looms after bruising night in Bodo

The away defeat in Norway did not just cost Inter Milan momentum. It left scars. The trip to Bodo has effectively dragged the Nerazzurri into a full-blown injury emergency ahead of the Serie A clash with Lecce.

Absences in Salento already look certain. Denzel Dumfries will miss out, as will Hakan Calhanoglu who is both injured and suspended, and Nicolo Barella, suspended. Captain Lautaro Martinez is also ruled out after his calf injury.

But that may not be the end of the list.

According to Calciomercato.com via Fcinter1908, concerns are growing that others could join the unavailable group. 

Piotr Zielinski left the pitch in discomfort against Bodo/Glimt, while Manuel Akanji is reportedly not at full fitness. 

The club is awaiting medical tests before drawing final conclusions, yet the possibility of further absences is far from hypothetical.

Chivu searching for solutions

If the worst-case scenario is confirmed, head coach Cristian Chivu could be forced into creative reshuffling, particularly in midfield and in the regista role. 

At present, the only midfielders certain to travel appear to be Petar Sucic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Diouf, with Davide Frattesi potentially returning after missing the previous match due to flu.

Given the mounting uncertainty, calling for reinforcements from the Under 23 side coached by Stefano Vecchi seems increasingly likely, regardless of how the clinical tests unfold.

There is even a tactical wildcard. Should Akanji prove fit enough, he could be deployed in midfield. 

Chivu has occasionally used him as a holding midfielder late in matches, and in times like these, flexibility becomes currency.

Inter Milan now stand at a crossroads shaped less by tactics and more by medical reports. 

The next 24 hours will dictate whether this is a temporary headache or a full-scale selection puzzle.