Inzaghi’s Option In Defense Will Be Limited Against Leverkusen After New Injury Concern

Written By Onyeka Daniel

It promises to be an interesting match at the BayArena between two League champions, Bayer Leverkusen and Inter as the two sides clash in a UCL encounter, but the two teams go into this match with some injury concerns. For the Nerazzurri, there was is a troubling news after three of their defenders, Francesco Acerbi, Denzel Dumfries, and Tajon Buchanan didn’t train with the rest of the team today.

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Consequently, they’re not expected to be available for the Tuesday game in the UEFA Champions League. The team trained this morning at Appiano Gentile, and as reported, the defensive trio didn’t train with the rest of the squad. Acerbi is still dealing with a flexor injury, while Dumfries has a fever. Buchanan has muscle fatigue and has recently returned from a tibia injury, so he’s expected to remain in Milan.

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They already have to deal with the absence of Benjamin Pavard, while Alessandro Bastoni is said to not be 100% fit and this new report has now forced the club to look inwards for solution, hence, according to reports, 19-year-old right-back Mike Aidoo will join the first team, travelling to Germany later today. Aidoo already went on the bench in Champions League games against Young Boys and RB Leipzig this season.

For Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso, he admitted that it will be ‘fantastic’ to face Inter as they will try to win in ‘every possible way’ against one of the ‘strongest teams in Europe’ to qualify among the UCL top eight. Ahead of this encounter, only three points separate them in the standings of the new group phase, and the Spanish coach claimed they are ‘looking forward’ to hosting a team with ‘great players and one of the best coaches in the world’.

The ability to ‘control matches’ and having a ‘clear idea of what they want’ are what make Inter particularly tough to take on, according to Alonso, who also insisted that his side ‘always want to play to win’. “We know we’re facing one of the strongest teams in Europe, but we’re ready and have trained well,” the German side’s coach told reporters at a pre-match press conference. “There’s a lot of expectation for us.

“Inter are extremely consistent, they’re very solid, and they have a clear idea of what they want. They know where to take the game, they’re very mature, and it will be fantastic to play against them. “They’re a winning team, they played in the Champions League final two years ago, and won the league title. “Inter control matches very well, they have great players and one of the best coaches in the world.

“So, we’re looking forward to hosting them in our stadium. “I rate them very highly; it’s not just about having top players but playing collectively. “They know how to press high, they can play short or long passes, they know how to work on transitions and rotations, which is typical of Italian football. “It will be a great challenge for us, and we can’t wait.” Hakan Calhanoglu’s three-season stint at Bayer put him in the spotlights.

This also earned him a move to Serie A in 2017, but Xabi Alonso pointed out his game has since ‘change a lot’. “We don’t focus on individual players, but he is certainly someone who has a big impact on the game,” the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder added. “I remember when he played here, he was a No. 10. His game has changed a lot over time. He’s a key player for them, just like Kimmich is for Bayern Munich.

Former Roma flop Patrick Shick has blossomed at Bayer Leverkusen under Alonso, who said he is ‘feeling better’ and is not ruled out of Tuesday’s game after missing his side’s last match due to a calf injury. “He’s getting closer to his best form, he’s feeling better, and we don’t rule him out,” the 43-year-old said. “Tomorrow morning we’ll check if he’s fit enough to start or maybe come on during the game.” He further added.

In a related development, Inter Milan are keen on teenage Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis. But the high price tag would be a major obstacle, according to a report from FCInterNews. They report that the fee for the 18-year-old would likely be no less than €40 million. Inter have been scouting South America as they search for the future of their defense. The Nerazzurri are aiming to add youth to their backline.

They need long-term replacements for aging stalwarts like Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij. And Inter have already signed one defender from South America. Last summer, the Nerazzurri brought in Tomas Palacios. Inter are reportedly laying the groundwork to sign Racing Club defender Marco Di Cesare. But in Brazil, there is an even more ambitious defensive target for the Nerazzurri.

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The has been one of the real breakout talents for Palmeiras. The young defender has already earned comparisons to compatriots such as Thiago Silva and Marquinhos for his pace, technical ability, and composure. Therefore, according to the report, Inter do see Reis as a target. However, the Nerazzurri are far from alone among the Brazilian’s admirers, plus his high transfer fee (€40m) will be too high to sign the teenager.

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