Inter vs Milan: Nerazzurri await crucial injury updates ahead of derby

Inter return from the international break with mounting concerns ahead of Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina, as Cristian Chivu waits anxiously for clarity on the condition of key players Piotr Zielinski and Denzel Dumfries.

Zielinski enjoyed an excellent performance for Poland against Malta, scoring and assisting, but returned to Appiano Gentile carrying two troubling muscular issues.

Speaking to TVP Sport, via MilanNews24, the midfielder admitted: “We knew it would be a difficult match… as for me, my calf and my lower back were very painful. I’ll recover from this game, but it hurt a lot.”

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, no scans have been scheduled yet, but the problem is real enough for Inter to plan a tailored recovery programme over the coming days.

Chivu had hoped to start the former Napoli man in the derby, especially with Henrikh Mkhitaryan ruled out, banking on Zielinski’s physical condition. If he is unable to start, Petar Sucic stands ready.

Inter’s worries do not end in midfield. The most delicate case remains Denzel Dumfries, whose ankle injury continues to cast a shadow over his availability. Optimism is fading, and there is growing pessimism within the club about his chances of taking part at San Siro.

Should Dumfries miss out, Chivu is expected to turn to Carlos Augusto on the right flank. For Milan, Massimiliano Allegri will be monitoring every development closely, aware that Inter’s physical emergency could tilt a finely balanced derby.