Inter Milan have confirmed that Francesco Acerbi is dealing with a minor muscle strain in his right leg, raising concerns over his availability for the upcoming crucial Champions League encounter against Atletico Madrid.
The Italian defender was substituted in the second half of Inter’s 4-2 victory over Roma on Saturday and subsequently underwent medical examinations in Milan on Monday morning.
In an official statement, Inter stated, “Francesco Acerbi underwent medical tests this morning at the Istituto Clinico Humanitas in Rozzano. The Nerazzurri defender has a slight muscle strain in his right leg. His condition will be assessed over the coming days.”
Although Inter Milan did not specify the expected recovery period for Acerbi, various sources in Italy, including Calciomercato.com, suggest that he is likely to miss the upcoming Serie A fixture against Salernitana. Moreover, his participation in the crucial Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid is also in jeopardy.
Inter are scheduled to face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 at San Siro on February 20, with the return leg set to take place in the Spanish capital on March 13.
Acerbi’s potential absence adds to Inter’s concerns, especially considering Diego Simeone’s side won’t have the services of injured striker Alvaro Morata, who suffered a knee injury during Atletico Madrid’s recent match against Sevilla.
