Calhanoglu Leaves Türkiye Camp to Prepare for Inter’s Derby Showdown with Milan

Key Takeaways:

• Hakan Calhanoglu departed the Türkiye national team before Tuesday evening’s World Cup qualifier against Spain
• The midfielder returned to Italy to train with Inter ahead of Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan
• Calhanoglu is managing a minor hand issue but is not expected to miss the Milan derby

Turkish International Prioritises Club Commitments

Hakan Calhanoglu is set to reunite with the Inter squad as they gear up for Sunday’s highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina versus Milan at San Siro. The midfielder will not feature for Türkiye in their World Cup qualifying clash against Spain on Tuesday evening, having left the national camp to make his return to Italy.

Hakan Calhanoglu is set to leave the Türkiye national team squad and return to Inter ahead of schedule, approaching the Derby della Madonnina against Milan on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/ThTN2zvZXg

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) November 17, 2025

Injury Update and Medical Collaboration

Calhanoglu is said to be managing a minor hand problem. This injury has not raised significant alarm, and both the Inter and Turkish medical teams have already exchanged updates regarding his condition. Monday’s reports indicate that the situation is ‘under control,’ with no current concerns over his availability for the upcoming derby.

Team Preparations at Appiano Gentile

Cristian Chivu and the Inter squad are scheduled to resume training on Tuesday at Appiano Gentile, where Calhanoglu is expected to join his teammates on the pitch in preparation for the city rivalry against Milan.

Implications for Türkiye’s World Cup Qualification

Calhanoglu’s absence is not detrimental to Türkiye’s qualification hopes, as the side has all but secured a second-place finish in their World Cup qualifying group. This position guarantees them a play-off spot. While there remains a remote chance for Türkiye to leapfrog Spain into top spot, this would demand a substantial shift in goal difference against a Spanish team that currently boasts a 100% record and has yet to concede in the campaign — an outcome considered highly improbable.