Inter Defeated by Ajax, Lautaro Martinez's Fitness in Doubt
Inter Milan suffered a 2-0 defeat against Ajax. Ahead of the match, Inter president Marotta expressed pride in the club's consistent Champions League presence. Meanwhile, concerns are rising over the fitness of star striker Lautaro Martinez due to a back injury.
Marotta's Pre-Match Comments on Inter's European Status
Marotta highlighted Inter's ongoing participation in the Champions League, stating, "Inter is the Italian club that best represents our football. This is the seventh consecutive edition that we are present, and this is a source of great pride for everyone." He also emphasized the importance of modern stadium infrastructure, lamenting Italy's lagging position in this area and expressing hope for approval of stadium plans.
Lautaro Martinez Injury Concerns Ahead of Champions League Clash
Lautaro Martinez is a major doubt for the game due to back pain. Manager Cristian Chivu will assess his condition before deciding whether to include him in the starting lineup or find a replacement. Martinez experienced discomfort in the lumbar region, preventing him from training fully.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, while the injury is not considered serious, caution is being exercised to avoid further complications during a busy period. The report suggests that playing in less than optimal condition could lead to a more significant injury. Lautaro's recent international duty with Argentina has also limited his training time.
Potential Replacements: Bonny and Esposito in Contention
Chivu is considering alternatives to Lautaro, with Ange-Yoan Bonny, a player he discovered at Parma, potentially making his international debut. Bonny was tested in the starting lineup alongside Thuram during training. Another option is Pio Esposito, who also dreams of a European debut with Inter. Chivu stated that he will evaluate Lautaro's availability before making a final decision, with Esposito being considered a strong contender if Martinez is ruled out.
