Cristian Chivu Handed Huge Boost As Inter Milan Star Makes Early Return From Injury

Inter Milan have been handed a major boost as Hakan Calhanoglu is expected to make an early return from injury.

Hakan Calhanoglu Injury Update

The Turkish international suffered a frustrating calf issue during Inter Milan’s 2-2 stalemate with Napoli on January 11th and has missed the Nerazzurri’s last three matches (all competitions).

Calhanoglu will be on the sidelines for Inter’s vital Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund on January 28th, as Cristian Chivu looks to secure automatic qualification.

The Inter Milan boss is set to include Pio Esposito in the starting lineup against Dortmund, but Calhanoglu will have to watch from the stands.

Initially, the Turkish midfielder was expected to be ruled out until March but Calhanoglu has managed to speed-up his recovery and could return in early February.

The Nerazzurri face Sassuolo on February 8th and Calhanoglu is on track to make an appearance on the bench, before fighting for a place in the starting eleven against Juventus on February 15th.

The 31-year-old will miss Inter’s next three matches, meaning the Nerazzurri will be unable to call upon their star man against Torino in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.

Although Calhanoglu could make a speedy return from injury, the Turkish star’s absence has caused heavy concern around the Inter Milan camp and Cristian Chivu is reportedly prioritizing a midfield addition.

Chivu Targets Midfielders

Inter Milan have managed to maintain their performance without Calhanoglu’s presence in midfield, as the Nerazzurri sit top of the league with a five-point lead.

Despite this, Chivu is still looking to make improvements to his roster in both the January, and summer transfer window – targeting a host of midfield names.

The Serie A side are considering a move for Martin Odegaard, as the Arsenal captain has struggled to perform since returning from injury.

Odegaard still has two-years remaining on his current deal in North London and the Gunners have set a monstrous price tag on their captain’s shoulders – valuing Odegaard at €75million.

There have been rumors over a possible player plus cash deal, which would see Marcus Thuram head to the Emirates and Odegaard move to Serie A.

Chivu has also added Kobbie Mainoo, Eduardo Camavinga and Enzo Fernandez to his shortlist, but Inter Milan believe Odegaard will be the most sensible addition.

The Norwegian is said to be earning around €14m per year at Arsenal, which would make him the second-highest paid player at Inter behind Lautaro Martinez (€16m).