Dumfries boost for Inter Milan ahead of crucial Derby

Dutch wingback fully recovered and ready to face AC Milan

Inter Milan will be without captain Lautaro Martinez for the derby against AC Milan, but Cristian Chivu could welcome back an important weapon: Denzel Dumfries.

The Dutch wingback has fully recovered from the ankle injury that sidelined him for months and is now ready to return to Serie A action. 

His comeback has followed a careful plan: a brief appearance in the Champions League playoff return leg against Bodø/Glimt to regain match feeling, followed by around thirty minutes in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Como.

Now the final step could arrive in the most intense setting possible: the Milan derby.

A dangerous option off the bench

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908, Dumfries is unlikely to start but could play a decisive role as an impact substitute. 

Much will depend on how the game unfolds, but it is easy to imagine him replacing Luis Henrique on the right flank if Chivu looks for more power and attacking thrust.

The Brazilian has been heavily used in recent weeks precisely because of Dumfries’ long absence. Now that the Dutch international is back, Inter Milan regain one of their most dynamic weapons on the right side.

Dumfries: a comeback after four months

Dumfries’ return to Serie A has been long awaited. It has been 119 days since his last league appearance, before a stubborn left ankle tendinopathy forced him to undergo surgery in London last December.

His last league match came against Lazio in early November. Since then, Inter Milan had to navigate crucial fixtures without one of their key wide players.

His absence also sparked some reflection about Inter Milan’s Champions League campaign. 

When Dumfries got injured, the Nerazzurri were travelling strongly in Europe alongside top contenders such as Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Whether things might have unfolded differently with him available remains impossible to know.

Key piece for the season finale

Regardless of the derby result, Dumfries is expected to play an important role in Inter Milan’s final stretch of the season. 

The Nerazzurri remain firmly in control of the Serie A title race and could even extend their lead over AC Milan to 13 points with a victory.

Beyond the league, Inter Milan are also focused on the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como and a potential final appearance. 

Having Dumfries back at full fitness gives Chivu an extra tactical dimension, allowing the team to build attacks not only through Federico Dimarco on the left but also down the right flank again.

For a club determined to leave behind last season’s trophy drought, Dumfries’ return could not have come at a better time.