Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez suffers another calf strain days after return, set to miss key Serie A matches in title race.
Inter Milan have been dealt a major setback after Lautaro Martinez suffered another calf injury. The forward had only just returned from a lengthy absence. His latest issue raises fresh concerns for club and country.
The Argentine striker was back in action last weekend. He marked his return with two goals in a dominant win. However, that momentum has now been halted once again.
Martinez had been sidelined for over six weeks with a similar muscle problem. His return came in a 5-2 victory over Roma. He looked sharp and immediately made an impact scoring inside the first minute from a Marcus Thuram pass.
The Inter captain scored twice in that match, taking his Serie A tally to 16 goals this season. He remains the league’s top scorer. That performance suggested he was fully fit again. Inter fans were optimistic ahead of a crucial run of fixtures towards the business end of the season. But the optimism did not last long.
Inter confirmed the setback following medical tests. The club revealed a slight strain in his left calf. His condition will be reassessed in the coming days. Early reports suggest he could be out for around two weeks. That timeline would rule him out of several key matches. It is a frustrating development for both player and club.
This is the second similar injury in a short period. The recurrence will raise concerns about his workload. Inter’s medical staff will now take a cautious approach.
Inter currently lead the Serie A standings. They hold a seven-point advantage over Napoli. With seven games remaining, the title race is still alive. Martinez has been central to their campaign. His goals have provided a consistent edge in tight matches. Losing him at this stage is a significant blow.
During his previous absence, Inter struggled for rhythm. They dropped points and allowed rivals to close the gap. The team cannot afford a similar dip now.
In Martinez’s absence, Inter will need to adjust. Marcus Thuram is expected to lead the line. He could be partnered by other options in the squad. Cristian Chivu has rotated his attack in recent weeks. Players like Pio Esposito have been given opportunities. The coming fixtures will test their depth.
Inter’s attacking structure may also shift slightly. More responsibility will fall on midfield creativity. The team must find goals from different areas.
Martinez’s return and his brace against Roma was a reminder of his quality. It also underlined what Inter are missing without him. The recurrence of the injury is the biggest concern. Muscle issues can linger if not managed carefully. Inter must balance urgency with long-term fitness.
There is also concern for Argentina. Martinez is a key figure for the national team. With the World Cup approaching, his fitness will be closely monitored.
Inter face a crucial away match against Como next. They will then host Cagliari in another important league fixture. Both games could shape the title race. There is also a Coppa Italia semi-final on the horizon. Squad rotation will be essential during this period. Chivu must manage resources carefully.
For Martinez, recovery is now the priority. Inter will monitor his progress closely before setting a return date. His availability could prove decisive in the final weeks.
