Injury Scare: Calhanoglu’s Right Leg Woes Could Sideline Key Midfielder, Sucic Favored

The roar of the San Siro faithful might be a little quieter for Hakan Calhanoglu tonight.A persistent issue in his right leg has put the influential Inter Milan midfielder at significant risk of missing the upcoming fixture. While manager Cristian Chivu will make the final call right up until kickoff, sources indicate that the Turkish maestro could be benched for the first time this season, a move that would undoubtedly send ripples through the Nerazzurri’s midfield strategy.

This potential absence opens the door for either Davide Frattesi or Petar Sucic to slot into the crucial right-sided mezzala role.Frattesi, known for his box-to-box energy and attacking drive, is reportedly the favorite to get the nod. His ability to cover ground and contribute offensively makes him a natural fit, especially after overcoming his own recent stomach issues. Sucic, conversely, offers a different profile, and his readiness to step in could provide a tactical shift for Chivu.

Should Calhanoglu be sidelined, the playmaking duties in the center of the park would likely fall to Nicolò Barella. Barella, a tenacious and dynamic midfielder, has proven his versatility and leadership, making him a convincing option to orchestrate the team’s attacks from a deeper, more central role, akin to an choice director on the pitch.

The root of the Concern: A Lingering right Leg Knock

The concern surrounding Calhanoglu’s fitness stems from the aftermath of Inter’s recent Champions League victory against Slavia Prague. Post-match, he was observed limping slightly in the mixed zone, a clear indication of the discomfort he was experiencing in his right leg. While the blow sustained at the end of that game was significant, the situation has reportedly improved since then, allowing him to participate in training.Though, Chivu’s cautious approach, prioritizing player welfare over immediate necessity, appears to be the prevailing factor.

This is a stark contrast to Calhanoglu’s usual ironman status. he has been an ever-present figure for Inter this season, only missing the opening match against Torino