Chivu confirms Inter will be without Thuram for next two key matches

Cristian Chivu has confirmed that Inter will have to do without Marcus Thuram for their next two key matches across the Champions League and Serie A, as he continues to struggle with an injury to his thigh. 

The Nerazzurri will take on Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League on Tuesday night, before returning to Italy to take on Antonio Conte and Napoli in a top-of-the-table clash in Serie A. The two sides are level on points in second and third place, one point behind leaders Milan as things stand. 

Chivu, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League test on Tuesday night, confirmed that Lautaro Martinez, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Francesco Pio Esposito are all doing well, but that Thuram has been unable to train and is unlikely to feature in either of his side’s next two matches. 

“For me, there are no starters, I’ve been saying it for months. I trust all the players I have available, everyone can play from the start,” Chivu said when asked if either Bonny or Esposito could start in the Champions League. 

“I’m happy to have such a strong group at my disposal. Everyone can make a contribution to our games and to our journey.” 

And when asked about Martinez and Thuram, Chivu said: “Lautaro is fine, and has not had any more problems than the ones he had before Roma. He’s got over his cold and has had a good recovery. 

“Marcus needs a few more days, I don’t know what to tell you. We are trying to get him back as soon as possible. Apparently he won’t be there for Napoli.”