Key Takeaways:
- Lautaro Martinez missed today’s training with back pain and remains doubtful for tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Ajax
- Coach Cristian Chivu is ready to overhaul Inter’s starting line-up following the recent 3:4 defeat to Juventus
- Josep Martinez will start in goal, with further adjustments expected in defence and midfield
Lautaro Martinez Faces Fitness Concerns Ahead of Ajax Fixture
Inter’s captain, Lautaro Martinez, is in significant doubt for tomorrow’s Champions League away match against Ajax. The prolific Argentine forward was absent from today’s full team training session owing to a bout of back pain, opting instead for gym exercises. Despite his fitness concerns, Martinez has travelled with the squad to Amsterdam, in contrast with Matteo Darmian, who remains in Milan as he recovers from a back injury.
🚨 BREAKING: Lautaro Martínez is dealing with back pain and was unable to complete #Inter’s full training session today. The forward has travelled with the squad to Amsterdam but is a doubt to face Ajax. 🇦🇷
[@SkySport via @APaventi] pic.twitter.com/shY83pnDGR
— Inter Xtra (@Inter_Xtra) September 16, 2025
Potential Replacements and Debutants in Attack
Should Lautaro Martinez be unavailable to start, Inter will rely on either Ange-Yoan Bonny or Francesco Pio Esposito to fill the void up front. Notably, both players would be making their Champions League debuts if selected.
Chivu Plans Significant Squad Adjustments
After Inter’s 3:4 derby setback against Juventus, Cristian Chivu is expected to rotate several positions in his starting XI for the crucial European showdown. As confirmed yesterday, Josep Martinez will be named in goal, replacing Yann Sommer. In the defensive line-up, Jan Bisseck and Stefan de Vrij are in line to come in for Manuel Akanji and Francesco Acerbi. Meanwhile, midfield changes are anticipated, as Federico Dimarco and Petar Sucic are set to return, with Carlos Augusto and Henrikh Mkhitaryan dropping to the bench.
Injury Update and Team News
With Matteo Darmian sidelined and Lautaro Martinez’s participation uncertain, Inter face notable absences for tomorrow’s Champions League test. All eyes will be on whether either Ange-Yoan Bonny or Francesco Pio Esposito are called upon to make their continental bow in Amsterdam.
