Inter Milan have confirmed that goalkeeper Yann Sommer has successfully undergone surgery after sustaining a fractured thumb during training. The Swiss international was initially assessed on Thursday, with medical tests revealing the severity of the injury. On Friday, Sommer underwent an operation at the Humanitas Pio X Institute in Milan, and the procedure was completed without complications. The club has also stated that he will begin his rehabilitation at the start of the upcoming week.
Expected Absence and Key Fixtures Missed
The initial prognosis suggests Sommer will be sidelined for at least three weeks, possibly extending beyond that timeframe. This means he will be unavailable for Saturday’s Serie A fixture against Genoa, where Josep Martinez is set to deputize in goal. Sommer’s absence will also rule him out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final against Lazio on Thursday and the high-stakes Serie A clash against league leaders Napoli the following weekend.
Inter will be closely monitoring his recovery process, with medical staff assessing his progress weekly. The club remains hopeful for an earlier return, but they will prioritize his full recovery before allowing him back onto the pitch.
Martinez to Step Up in Crucial Matches
With Sommer unavailable, Martinez is set to start in several important games. The Spanish shot-stopper is expected to be in goal for both legs of the Champions League round of 16 tie against Feyenoord, as well as the league encounter with Monza between the two European matches. Additionally, the upcoming Serie A clash against Atalanta, scheduled for three weekends from now, could also come too soon for Sommer’s return, leaving Martinez in line for an extended run in the starting lineup.
Martinez has already featured in a handful of matches this season and will now have the opportunity to prove his capabilities on a bigger stage. His performances in the coming weeks could be crucial in keeping Inter competitive across all competitions.
Inter’s Defensive Adjustments
With Sommer sidelined, Inter’s defensive line will need to make adjustments to accommodate the change in goal. The backline, led by key figures such as Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij, will likely adapt their approach to provide additional support to Martinez.
Manager Simone Inzaghi may also consider slight tactical changes to ensure defensive stability, possibly implementing a more conservative approach in certain high-pressure matches. The upcoming fixtures will test the team’s ability to cope with adversity and maintain their strong defensive record.
