Key Takeaways:
- Marcus Thuram was ruled out for over a month following a thigh injury sustained after Inter’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague
- The French forward will miss critical fixtures, including Serie A matches against Roma and a Champions League tie at Union Saint-Gilloise
- Inter’s challenging period continues with their poorest Serie A start in 14 seasons, increasing pressure on manager Cristian Chivu to adapt tactics and personnel
Thuram’s Injury and Its Implications
Inter received a significant setback as Marcus Thuram faces a prolonged period on the sidelines after scans confirmed the severity of a thigh injury suffered during the 3-0 triumph over Slavia Prague in the Champions League. Despite Thuram’s initial attempts to downplay his condition, subsequent medical assessments revealed he will be unavailable until at least 25 October. This timeline means the French forward is poised to miss several pivotal fixtures, including the Serie A encounter against Roma, the Champions League clash away at Union Saint-Gilloise, and possibly the important away match at Napoli.
Marcus Thuram is expected to miss several weeks of action for Inter and France after suffering an injury to his hamstring during Tuesday night's 3-0 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague. pic.twitter.com/p51DWoqHv3
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) October 1, 2025
Thuram had been instrumental for Inter this season, registering five goals and two assists from seven league appearances. His absence eliminates a vital component of the club’s offensive output and compels manager Cristian Chivu to reconsider his attacking strategies.
Potential Changes to Inter’s Frontline
With Thuram unavailable, Chivu is likely to turn to Pio Esposito and Ange Yoan Bonny to shoulder the team’s attacking duties. Bonny, who has scored one goal in seven appearances, is expected to be the primary deputy. Esposito, notable for his pace and agility, has made five league appearances – predominantly from the bench – finding the net once so far. Both forwards may be required to play expanded roles as Chivu debates the optimal blend of experience and youth to maintain attacking potency.
Chivu has previously praised Esposito’s performances, particularly highlighting his impactful display in the win against Sassuolo. The manager remarked on Esposito’s ability to integrate within the attacking unit and perform a variety of roles across the front line.
Struggles Continue Under Chivu’s Tenure
This injury comes at a particularly challenging juncture for Inter, who are enduring their most difficult start to a Serie A campaign in 14 years. Though the season began with a resounding 5-0 win over Torino, subsequent results have been mixed. Defeats to Udinese and a thrilling 4-3 loss against Juventus have highlighted both defensive and attacking vulnerabilities. The team has managed only three wins from five matches, and has already suffered two defeats, reflecting broader concerns over form and consistency.
Injuries to key players, coupled with fluctuating performances from the likes of Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu, have added to the tactical conundrums facing Chivu during his first season at the helm.
Tactical Adjustments on the Horizon?
With Thuram sidelined and results under scrutiny, Chivu may use this period to trial a tactical evolution. One option could involve pushing midfielders such as Barella and Calhanoglu higher up the pitch, while repositioning wing-backs to offer increased support in central areas. These changes would grant Inter greater unpredictability and offensive variation, potentially turning adversity into an opportunity for strategic development and broader squad utilisation.
