Simone Inzaghi has confirmed that Romelu Lukaku will miss Inter’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich due to injury, but should recover ahead of the World Cup.
Inter have already reached the play-offs of the UEFA club’s main competition after defeating Viktoria Pilsen 4-0 on Matchday 5 of Group C before knocking out Barcelona.
Belgium international Lukaku scored from the bench in the Pilsen win to come on as a substitute in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Sampdoria, in which he aggravated a recurring left hamstring injury.
Although Inzaghi will be left without a loan striker at Bayern on Tuesday, he suggested Lukaku needs to be in shape ahead of the World Cup, where Belgium will start their campaign against Canada on November 23.
“He had a little problem with the scar. [in his hamstring] in Saturday’s match when he came out,” Inzaghi said.
“There was a statement from the club that he would need to rest for a few days and then he would be re-evaluated at the weekend.
“This slowdown was not necessary, it gave a lot during this period, we hope to be able to use it again before [World Cup] break.”
To Munich #BavariaInter #Championship #ForzaInter pic.twitter.com/2cZjdSg9iK
— Inter (@Inter_en) October 31, 2022
A trip to the Allianz Arena could also be a premature move for Marcelo Brozovic, although Inzaghi suggested the Croatia midfielder would be available for Sunday’s Serie A decider against Juventus.
“We hope that Brozovic can return on Sunday, then [Danilo] D’Ambrosio is out and we won’t get him until halftime,” he added.
“We know what game we will have on Sunday, I will change a few things, but not too much. Today we did something on the field, but not too much. In my opinion, the team gives excellent answers.”
Inzaghi hailed a “near-perfect” October after Inter went seven games unbeaten in all competitions, winning six of them, a stroke of luck for the Nerazzurri.
“Compared to September, we are in better shape, the condition of the players has improved,” he continued.
“Tomorrow it will not count towards the group, but it will be a match in a beautiful stadium against one of the best in Europe.
“We want to play a serious, organized match, knowing that there will be difficulties, we find a very strong team with a deep squad.”
