Inter Milan’s attacking powerhouse, Lautaro Martinez, was a notable absentee during Friday’s training session, as reports suggest the forward is dealing with muscular fatigue in his adductor. Sky Sport Italia confirmed that the 25-year-old was not part of the squad’s preparations, leaving manager Simone Inzaghi and the Nerazzurri faithful uncertain about his availability for Saturday’s match.
Martinez had an intense off-season, achieving glory with Argentina as they lifted the Copa America. His individual performances stood out as he claimed the tournament’s top scorer title with five goals. However, his success appears to have come at a price, as he returned to club football still recovering from the physical toll of the summer competition.
Injury Concerns for Inter Milan
The Argentine forward returned to Inter’s squad slightly ahead of schedule in an effort to be available for the opening match of the Serie A season. Despite his early comeback, Martinez has not been able to complete a full pre-season training program, which has affected his fitness levels. His absence from Friday’s session now raises concerns for Inzaghi, who may need to adjust his lineup accordingly.
Inter’s summer signing, Mehdi Taremi, also faced his own injury scare, though fortunately, it was minor. Taremi was fit enough to make an appearance off the bench during the team’s first league match against Genoa. While this alleviates some pressure on Inzaghi, the uncertainty surrounding Martinez’s condition adds a layer of complexity to the coach’s selection for the upcoming games.
Thuram Shines in Opener
In the absence of Martinez’s usual full fitness, Inter’s new striker Marcus Thuram stepped up to deliver a stellar performance in the season opener. The French forward made an immediate impact, scoring two goals in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Genoa. Thuram’s debut brace gave Inter a much-needed boost as they kicked off their Serie A campaign.
With Martinez still recovering and Taremi working his way into form, Thuram’s strong start could prove crucial in the early weeks of the season. His performance has given Inter some breathing room as they navigate their attacking options amidst ongoing injury concerns.