Simone Inzaghi considers benching Hakan Calhanoglu for Kristjan Asllani in Inter Milan’s upcoming Serie A encounter against Hellas Verona.
According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, Piotr Zielinski and Calhanoglu will return to Appiano Gentile later today.
Calhanoglu will undergo further checks after suffering a minor thigh injury while on international duty with Turkey.
Indeed, the 30-year-old was on the sidelines as the Crescent-Stars slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Montenegro.
He required a first-half substitution against Wales after feeling pain in the same area that had tormented him in late October.
Despite being reassured of Calhanoglu’s well-being by the Turkish medical staff, the Italian giants won’t take any chances.
Therefore, the ex-AC Milan midfielder will undergo additional scans in the coming days.
Though it’s only a precaution, he’ll likely fail to make the starting XI at the Bentegodi on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Inzaghi already has a replacement lined up.
Simone Inzaghi to Replace Injury-Hit Hakan Calhanoglu with Kristjan Asllani vs Hellas Verona
In addition to Calhanoglu, Zielinski will rejoin the Inter squad today.
The Polish star deputized for his Turkish counterpart before the international break.
However, he could make way for Asllani against Verona.
It’s been a rough season for the Albanian youngster.
Indeed, he last featured for Inter in a 1-1 draw at Monza in mid-September.
Recurring fitness problems and fierce competition for places have since pushed him to the margins.
But Inzaghi is ready to throw him a lifeline this weekend.
After faring reasonably well for Albania, Asllani is in for only his second league start this term.
His reinstatement means Nicolò Barella is likely to keep his spot on the right side of midfield.
In the meantime, Henrikh Mkhitaryan will probably start on the left.
Free off international distractions after calling time on his Armenia career, he has had a fortnight to rest and prepare.
