Lautaro Martínez will not play in Inter Milan's Champions League second-leg clash against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday, February 24th, due to a muscle injury. The Argentine striker suffered a strain in the soleus muscle of his left calf during the first leg in Norway.
What happened?
The injury occurred in the 60th minute of the first leg, forcing an immediate substitution for Marcus Thuram. Medical tests confirmed the extent of the injury, and Martínez is now undergoing platelet treatment.
Why it matters for Lautaro Martínez
Martínez has scored 18 goals in 35 appearances this season, making his absence a significant blow to Inter's European and domestic ambitions. His injury will be closely monitored ahead of a packed March schedule.
What comes next?
Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu must now navigate a critical two-goal deficit without his most influential attacking piece. Martínez is expected to miss the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como and the Serie A clash with Genoa.
The Inter Milan team will lean on their attacking depth to find the three goals needed to overturn the 3-1 aggregate scoreline. Marcus Thuram and youngster Pio Esposito are likely to lead the line, while Hakan Calhanoglu has recovered from his own calf issue and is available.
Denzel Dumfries is back in the matchday squad for the first time in three months following ankle surgery. The predicted lineup for Inter Milan is Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Zielinski, Sucic, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito.
Martínez is expected to return to training in approximately 18 days, and his progress will be closely watched ahead of the Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan on March 8. Despite the club setback, Martínez is expected to be fit in time for Argentina's Finalissima against Spain on March 27 in Qatar.
The match against Bodo/Glimt will be played at the San Siro, with kickoff at 3:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 24th. The match will be available to watch on Paramount+.
Martínez's injury is a significant blow to Inter Milan's chances of advancing in the Champions League. The team will need to find a way to overcome the two-goal deficit without their leading goalscorer.
The road ahead for Martínez will be closely monitored, with his return to training and potential return to the lineup eagerly anticipated. His fitness will be crucial for both Inter Milan and the Argentine national team in the coming weeks.
The Champions League match against Bodo/Glimt is a must-win for Inter Milan, and the team will need to find a way to overcome the odds without their star striker. The match promises to be an exciting and closely contested encounter, with the outcome hanging in the balance.