Inter Milan Star Suffers Thigh Strain – Out For Man City Showdown, Doubt For Derby Vs AC Milan

Lautaro Martinez Set To Miss Champions League Clash, Availability For Milan Derby Uncertain

Inter Milan have been handed an injury blow after star striker Lautaro Martinez was confirmed to have suffered a thigh strain during the Nerazzurri's 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Martinez was forced off in the first half of the encounter at Anfield and underwent scans on Wednesday which revealed the extent of the issue.

The Argentine forward is now set to miss Inter's crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City on October 2, a match that the Italian champions must win to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

Martinez's absence will also be a concern for Inter boss Simone Inzaghi ahead of the highly-anticipated Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan on October 7.

Injury Timeline And Recovery

The club has not yet provided a specific timeline for Martinez's return, but thigh strains typically take several weeks to heal.

Inter will be hoping that Martinez can recover in time for the Milan derby, but if he is not fit, it will be a major blow to their hopes of beating their bitter rivals.

Impact On Inter Milan

Martinez is Inter's leading goalscorer this season with six goals in all competitions and his absence will be a major blow to the team.

The Argentine has formed a formidable partnership with Romelu Lukaku, and the duo have been key to Inter's success in recent months.

In Martinez's absence, Inzaghi could turn to Edin Dzeko or Joaquin Correa to lead the line, but neither player has been in the same form as Martinez this season.

Conclusion

Lautaro Martinez's thigh strain is a major blow for Inter Milan, who are now without their star striker for their crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City and the Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan.

The Argentine's absence will be a major test for Inter's squad depth, and it remains to be seen how they will cope without their leading goalscorer.